50 years on from their heydey in the major sea battles of World War II, the German and British Battleships Bismarck and Hood are described and illustrated with major coverage given to their demise 72 hours apart in the North Atlantic. The Bismarck was "discovered" on the sea bed recently - the search being the subject of a major book - and this, combined with the forthcoming anniversary of her loss, has brought the subject of her war and her sinking - or was she scuttled? - to the fore again. This photo album adds text to describe the design, role and operation of each vessel and provide an account of the May 1941 action.