Tirpitz

D.K.M. Tirpitz

(Neptun 1001T)

Class: Bismarck - 2 battleships of 1936
Displacement: 42,900 tons standard / 52,600 tons deep load
Dimensions: 792 (wl) 814 (oa) x 118 x 29.5 ft
Machinery: 3-shaft geared turbines, S.H.P. 138,000 = 29 knots
Armor: Main belt 12.5-10.5in, turrets 14-7in, armored deck 4.75-3.25in, deck 2in, CT 14in
Armament: 8-15in (4x2), 12-5.9in (6x2), 16-4.1in AA (8x2), 16-37mm AA (8x2), 42-20mm AA (8x4+10x1) guns; 8-21in (2x4) TT; 6 aircraft
Complement: 2,608

Actions: Sailed from Wilhelmshaven for Norwegian waters 16 Jan 1942. Threat of presence caused scattering and subsequent loss of greater part of convoy P.Q.17 during early Aug 1942. In conjunction with Scharnhorst and 10 destroyers, carried out bombardment of shore installations at Spitzbergen, 6 Sep 1943. On 23 Sep attacked by three British midget submarines (X5, X6, and X7) in Kaafjord and damaged. When repairs nearly complete, damaged again by air strike from Victorious, Furious, and four escort carriers, 3 Apr 1944. Another air strike on 22 Aug 1944 caused no damage thanks to the rapid deployment of a smoke screen. A repeated attempt two days later from Formidable, Indefatigable, and Furious and two more escort carriers did succeed. Attacked 15 Sep 1944 by RAF Lancasters carrying 6 ton bombs, causing significant further damage. Moved to Tromso to serve as a floating battery. Final attack 12 Nov 1944 by RAF Lancasters of 617 Squadron carrying 6-ton bombs caused her to capsize at Tromso.