We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Sink The Bismarck! Stringbags vs Bismarck (Part 2)

Podcast Date: January 29, 2026
Hosts: Al Murray (comedian), James Holland (historian)

Episode Overview

This gripping episode is the second installment of Al and James’s deep dive into the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck. The hosts reconstruct, with expertise and banter, the crucial day when Royal Navy aircraft—old-fashioned Swordfish biplanes, “stringbags”—attempt to cripple Bismarck before she can reach safety in France. Emphasizing the fog of war, chains of command, and narrow chances, Al and James bring alive the near-mythical chase, missteps, and eventual fateful torpedo strike that sealed Bismarck's fate.
Theme: The high-stakes hunt for Bismarck and the extraordinary role of British naval aviation.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap and the Search for Bismarck

• Royal Navy’s Cat-and-Mouse: The RN sends almost every available ship—including those from the Mediterranean—on a relentless chase.
  • “It's cats and mouse really... sending absolutely every piece of heavy metal it can possibly get its hands on...” (Al, 02:17)
• Coordination Challenges: British Admiralty, Coastal Command, and RAF struggle with the logistics and complexity of finding a single ship in a huge ocean.
• Importance of Air Patrolling: The pressing need for eyes—“the Mark 1 eyeball”—to spot the Bismarck and maintain contact (02:27).

2. Decisions and Instincts of Command

• RAF Coastal Command Input: Air Marshal Sir Frederick Bowhill, with vast sea experience, doubts the “logical” route and recommends an additional patrol toward northern Spain—a pivotal decision.
  • “Would Bismarck do the logical thing?... a direct route is unlikely because it's just so obvious.” — James (05:13)
  • Bowhill’s maritime instincts reinforce the challenges of wartime decision-making under uncertainty.

3. The Catalina Sighting

• The Crew: Spotlight on American Ensign Leonard ‘Tuck’ Smith, flying with the British—his American perspective highlighted by his chief’s ominous prediction:
  • “Boys, we're going to war soon with Germany and Japan, but we haven't fixed the date yet. So we want you to go over there and learn all you can about it.” (Al, 06:26)
• Perils of Flying Boats: Catalinas fly cramped, cold, long-range patrols—sometimes for 28 hours at a time.
  • “You do a three-hour watch as you toddle around, sort of loitering looking for stuff...” (Al, 08:15)
• Contact! The Catalina spots the Bismarck (09:09 - 10:04). Under fire, the crews keep cool and transmit an exact report, a moment of triumph for the Allies.
  • “One battleship bearing 240 degrees five miles. Course 150 degrees. My position 49, 33 North 2147 West. Time of origin 1030 26.” — James (09:57)

4. The Net Closes

• Narrow Misses: British destroyers had inadvertently passed within miles of Bismarck days earlier.
  • “Rodney and her destroyers have missed Bismarck the day before by only 50 miles.” (Al, 10:16)
• A Surge of Action: Once Bismarck’s position is confirmed, all Allied ships dash to cut her off, executing bold maneuvers without waiting for orders—exemplifying Nelson’s aggressive spirit.
  • “No captain can do very wrong if he lays his ship alongside that of an enemy.” (James, 12:07)

5. The Role of Force H and Admiral Somerville

• Somerville’s Leadership: Celebrated for his unorthodox, enthusiastic command style.
  • “A youthful zest and sense of fun... the unorthodox admiral...” (James, 13:12)
• Ark Royal’s Swordfish: Facing atrocious weather, 50mph winds, and a 60ft-drenched, pitching deck, Swordfish planes nevertheless manage to launch for their first attempt.
  • “You have to wait for the bow to start rising, gun the throttle and hope that you get off before the bow pitches again and you basically fly into the sea.” (Al, 15:09)

6. Friendly Fire Debacle

• Sheffield Mistakenly Attacked: Due to miscommunication, Swordfish attack HMS Sheffield instead of Bismarck, but Sheffield’s captain avoids disaster.
  • “He [Sheffield’s Captain] immediately orders his gun crew not to open fire. Opens up to full speed as the first torpedo is dropped, then turns wheel hard to avoid it..." (James, 23:53)
• Humor Amidst Danger: A Swordfish pilot signals Sheffield, “Sorry for the kipper,” after realizing the mistake (Al & James, 24:50).
  • "Sorry for the kipper. That's got to be a T-shirt, hasn't it?" (Al, 24:53)

7. Preparations for Second Attack

• Switching Tactics: Now knowing the magnetic pistols are faulty, Swordfish rearm with contact pistols.
• The Sky-Naval Chess Game: Both sides make desperate moves—German High Command sends U-boats and calls for Luftwaffe air support, but these gestures are ultimately symbolic, not decisive (Al, 26:40–27:54).

8. The Decisive Swordfish Attack

• Difficult Conditions: Cloud cover, rough weather, and miscommunication continue to complicate coordination.
• Sheffield Guides the Attack: Sheffield signals the Swordfish the Bismarck’s position; no more friendly fire.
• Sheer Bravery: Swordfish descend through cloud cover into withering anti-aircraft fire. “The fate of the Atlantic war, and the entire war, is dependent on you slowing down the Bismarck. So don't cock it up, don't fuck it up.” — Al (30:32)
• Notable Moment: Lieutenant Tony Beale gets close, executes a daring low-level attack, and scores the fateful hit:
  • “Beale turns and makes a long upwind attack at 50ft off the water dropping his torpedo... Bismarck doesn't fire... only once they've turned away again does Bismarck's flak open up...” (James, 33:16)

9. Aftermath: The Lucky Hit

• Rudder Disabled: The hit jams Bismarck’s rudder, rendering her unmaneuverable.
  • “A torpedo has struck the steering gear compartments and flooded them... The rudder is jammed at 15 degrees and leaning severely to starboard.” — James (36:36)
• Desperation on Bismarck: Attempts at repair are futile; the Bismarck circles, defenseless. Captain Lindemann and Admiral Lütjens send grim signals to Berlin:
  • “Ship unmaneuverable. We fight to the last shell. Long live Zephyrer.” (James, 38:20)
• Allied Forces Converge: Destroyers close in, cementing Bismarck’s fate as dawn approaches.
• Tovey's Message to the Fleet:
  • “The sinking of the Bismarck may have an effect on the war as a whole out of all proportion to the loss to the enemy of one battleship. May God be with you and grant you victory.” (James, quoting Tovey, 41:20)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On finding a ship in the Atlantic:
  • “All are struck by the tininess of even very large ships in the enormity of the ocean.” (James, 03:18)
• On American involvement before Pearl Harbor:
  • “We’re going to go to war soon with Germany and Japan but we haven’t fixed the date yet.” (Al, 06:26)
• On Swordfish pilots’ courage:
  • “The guts of these Fleet Air Arm guys... defies belief.” (Al, 42:32)
• On the lucky hit:
  • “The hundred and thousand to one shot has happened. Talk about a lucky hit that destroys Hood. This is a lucky glancing blow.” (James, 37:52)
• On repartee and Royal Navy style:
  • “Sorry for the kipper.” (Al/James, 24:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:34 | Dramatic excerpt from Ludovic Kennedy’s Pursuit describing an attack run on Bismarck | | 05:31 | Bowhill’s strategic hunch changes RAF patrol routes | | 09:09 | Catalina Sighting: The tense moment the Bismarck is spotted and signal is sent | | 12:07 | “Nelsonian” spirit—commanders take initiative | | 13:54 | Ark Royal Swordfish struggle to get airborne in a North Atlantic storm | | 16:46 | First Swordfish “Search”—mistaken identity and abortive attack on Sheffield | | 23:50 | Friendly fire; Swordfish attack the HMS Sheffield by mistake | | 24:50 | “Sorry for the kipper” moment | | 28:51 | Second, coordinated Swordfish attack launched | | 33:16 | Tony Beale’s daring upwind torpedo run—the hit that changes history | | 36:36 | The aftermath—Bismarck’s rudder jammed, fate sealed | | 41:20 | Admiral Tovey’s stirring address to the fleet | | 42:32 | Reflection on Swordfish crews’ courage and anticipation before the final battle |

Tone & Style

The episode blends detailed operational storytelling with British humor and irreverence. Al brings levity (“Sorry for the kipper!”), while James offers sharp tactical analysis and historical context. Their exchanges ground the immense drama of the Bismarck chase in moments of humanity, blunders, and bravery—making complex history both compelling and accessible.

Conclusion

Part 2 concludes with Bismarck crippled, the Allies closing in, and the sense of imminent climax. The episode is a masterclass in turning a well-known naval saga into a suspenseful, human-centered narrative, rich in technical detail, historical color, and the occasional, unforgettable T-shirt-worthy quip.

To discover Bismarck’s ultimate fate, tune in to Part 3...