Jim your comparison of the battleships was awesome.
I enjoyed reading it ,too Jim!
I think Lutjens broke off because it was not known what other enemy ships would join the battle. And continuing the battle also risked further damage to his ships.
If you think in those terms, he was prudent.
And he did order the return to port when Bismarck’s damage was assessed and determined she could not continue operations.
If there was a true mistake that he made, it would be sending the radio message thereby breaking radio silence. A bad assumption on his part to think he was still being followed after losing his pursuers.
I was shocked, dad and I discussed this match up. He loves the Bismarck, but believes the Missouri would win.
Here’s a page that discusses WWII battleship match-ups:
I’ve been to that site. Decent place to get quick info.
Yeah I voted Bismarck. :)
Counting on those lucky dice!
