The KGV and the Bismarck May 1941
My father Patrick Frederick Frank Ettie was a chief petty officer on the King George the Fifth during its engagement with the Bismarck.
He was an ordnance artificer and was responsible for the two port side turrets of the forward (6")secondary armament during the action.
He claims that his guns discharged some 140 rounds towards the Bismarck throughout the period of firing.
He has always denied the possibility of the Bismarck being scuttled on the basis that the ship was very quickly engulfed in thick acrid smoke and that it would have been difficult if not impossible for anyone to survive below decks.
He always greatly regretted the many survivors who were left to the mercy of the sea because of the shortage of fuel the capital ships were experiencing and the reported menace of U Boats.
Ever open to the main chance, he hurried on deck with a borrowed cine camera when firing ceased thinking it would have something the media (even in those days) would find of interest. His plan was thwarted when ordered back to his station as a result of approaching aircraft, these turned out to be our own fly boys coming to take a peek at the sinking German battleship (Dads never forgiven them!).
In his 80's dad visited Hamburg and met with the survivors of the Bismarck, he was briefly featured at the Bismarck chapel during the documentary about the Bismarck and the Hood which was made at that time.
If you served on the KGV or have any connected recollections I would be clad to hear about them please Email [email protected]
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David Ettie
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