German Battleships 1939–45

Gordon Williamson examines the design, development and operational use of the battleships used by the Kriegsmarine during World War II.

The ''Schlesien'' and ''Schleswig-Holstein'' were used mostly as training ships until the end of the war when they took part in bombardment of Soviet troop movements in East Prussia. The ''Scharnhorst'' had a successful career until her sinking at the battle of the North Cape, and the ''Gneisenau'' with her ignominious end as a block-ship.

Bismarck''s short but glorious career and Tirpitz''s lonely vigil in Norway''s distant Fjords until sunk by RAF bombers using the massive ''Tallboy'' bombs are also covered.