"The Bismarck must be sunk at all costs"

...sent by Pound to Tovey at the instigation of Churchill

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In 1941 the German Battleship Bismarck was terrorising Atlantic supply lines that were vital during WWII, when it sunk HMS Hood, the pride of the Royal Navy. The disaster prompted Churchill to issue his famous order: "Sink the Bismarck!"  The chase that ensued became a legendary battle at sea. Some 16 ships joined the hunt, bombing the vessel with shells and torpedoes. In the last attack before it reached safety, a torpedo launched from a Swordfish bomber struck her stern, jamming the rudders. She could only steam in circles and became a sitting duck for the British. Just 115 men from a crew of 2,200 were rescued. Hundreds drowned at sea because of a false U-boat warning.

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The 'unsinkable' Bismarck sat upon the murky

bottom of the Atlantic Ocean!