a few things about the HMS Hood, and the days that followed (sinking of the Bismarck)
the HMS Hood wasnt the finest ship, was the biggest ship, yet an old one. was the biggest BC that ever sailed, almost as big as the IJN Yamato... thats HUGE!
also, if the rudder of the Bismarck wouldn't have been hit by that torpedo, maybe, just maybe, the war would have lasted a little longer and the British control of the sea would have been seriously menaced.
the main advantage of the Bismarck's belt, deck and superstructure plating was that it was a hard bone to chew for the british guns, the BBs had to outrun the Bismarck (easier said than done) and get in range (while being outranged) once in range, the Bismarck would still open fire, dealing serious damage, but, as it can be seen here (
http://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarc...k_wreck_2.html ) a 16" shell fired frome really close pierced through the plating altho it didnt explode.
you might wanna keep in mind that 14.92"(380mm) isnt that much
against 16" (over 400mm)
the point is:
if the bismarck stays away = invincible.
if the british BBs catch up with the Bismarkc and get in range = Bismarck is doomed. (this is what happened)