What is interesting is this:
Captain Leach. He, and no other, is a thorn in the side of those who believe that Denmarck Straits´ result was purely an "accident" or mere luck with the blowing of Hood and the nearly destruction of PoW. Leach, who was almost court martialed by the RN because of his conduct during this battle was spared and retained his command (only to die seven months later at hands of the Japanese). If RN spared him from a court martial and let him at command of his capital ship MUST be, at least, because they found nothing bad with his behaivor which is the proof that PoW was in lethal danger at 6:05 am, May 24th, 1941 when he ordered the retreat from the battlefield and cover himself with a smokescreen.
Why did he do that?
Because PoW was in shape to pursue combat against Bismarck?
Because Hood´s blowing and PoW´s pounding was the product of luck?
Or because the German aiming was hammering his ship so bad that a couple of minutes more and he would be at the command of a wreck?
HE RETREATED. He didn´t continue the combat at DS: his ship was without a bridge because Bismarck blew it. He was hit many times from Bismarck and PE in less than 5 minutes.
As commander of his ship and responsible for his crew he knew that PoW was not enough not only to combat Bismarck but to merely sustain combat damage. That´s why he retreated.
And this proves two things:
1. That the result of DS was not "mere luck", but proficient naval conduct from the Germans and that the British underestimated their enemy and overestimated their chances.
2. That PoW was in danger, greater than many admit because to do it was to negate the "common wisdom" of British tradition of victory and that Bismarck was something heavier than they want to grant.
Best regards.
