| Explosion of the United Kingdom battlecruiser HMS Hood. Smoke from HMS Prince of Wales’s gunfire is faintly visible just to the left. Photographed from the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen. Note Prince of Wales firing, the smoke cloud from the fire on Hood’s boat deck, and the near-vertical cloud of smoke from the explosion of Hood’s magazines. The wind has already begun to push the smoke cloud slightly to the right. Ordinary Signalman A. Edward P. “Ted” Briggs (March 1, 1923 – October 4, 2008), Midshipman William J. “Bill” Dundas (September 9, 1923 – November 2, 1965), and Able Seaman Robert E. Tilburn (February 3, 1921 – February 24, 1995) were the only survivors of the sinking; 1,415 officers and ratings were confirmed lost. In both publications and recorded interviews, Briggs referred to the sacrifice made by the squadron’s navigating officer Commander John Warrand (February 6, 1904 – May 24, 1941), who stood aside and allowed him to exit the compass platform 1st. Briggs also confirmed that the Squadron Commanding Officer, Vice Admiral Lancelot Holland (September 13, 1887 – May 24, 1941), was last seen still sitting in his Admiral’s Chair, in utter dejection. He was making no attempt to escape the ship as Hood sank. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1717.jpg |
| Image Size | 1.01 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 5618 x 3317 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | Kriegsberichter Prinz Eugen |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | May 24, 1941 |
| Location | |
| City | |
| State or Province | |
| Country | Denmark Strait |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | NH 69724 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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