At 10.30 on 23 May
1941, Esmond Knight stood on the Bridge of HMS Prince of Wales. He watched the mountainous seas break off the bows of HMS Hood. The two ships, alone, without destroyer escort, were chasing the Bismark, the world's largest battleship. The Bismark was steering towards the vulnerable Atlantic convoys. The orders were to attack and sink. On 24 May, the Bismark was sighted and a bitter, blood battle began. The Hood was sunk with guns still blazing and only three survivors. The Prince of Wales, badly damaged, had to retire. ESMOND KNIGHT. 40 years on, relives that ferocious encounter.
Producer HELEN FRY