In
maritime battle history, much has been written about the interception
and sinking of the Bismarck. In a four-day battle sequence riddled with
stories of the unexpected, one of the most dramatic is that of the US
Coast Guard Cutter Modoc; a small ship caught up in the middle of a
very big battle. Fog, mistaken identity, and the providence of a jammed
mechanism all play a role in her singular wartime adventure:
On May 24th, 1941, the Modoc, whose mission was to patrol allied convoy
lanes for survivors of German U-Boat attacks, is heading east in the
Denmark Strait, tracking the remains of an eastbound convoy. At twilight,
the crew observes a huge gray vessel heading rapidly southbound. It
is the Bismarck, recent from battle with the British blockade where
she succeeded in sinking the HMS Hood. Damaged from the engagement,
she is moving full steam ahead now, her guns trained on the centerline,
attempting to outrun or outfight the vengeance-driven British Fleet
and escape to the Atlantic. Overhead, fighter aircraft from the HMS
Victorious, in hot pursuit, begin their attack on the Bismarck. In the
ensuing exchange, flaming remnants fall all too close to the small cutter,
compelling her to rapidly seek an escape route.
As
the Modoc attempts an exit, her situation becomes even more perilous.
The British commanding officers on the pursuing battleships, unaware
of the Modoc’s presence, are unable to identify her. Having just
lost the Hood and on the lookout for sneak maneuvers from the Germans,
any unknown vessel is suspect. Not willing to take any chances, preparations
are made to attack. The Prince of Wales takes aim, awaiting the signal
to fire.
With
huge guns pointing directly at her, the Modoc turns towards the protection
of a nearby fogbank. Her pounding antiquated steam engines, forcing
huge clouds of black smoke through her buff funnel, do little to boost
her inherent slowness. But onboard the Prince of Wales, the signal flag
acknowledging the order to commence fire jams, delaying the firing of
guns. Before the issue is resolved, the Modoc vanishes into the safety
of the mist. She survives unscathed and later returns to her patrol,
lasting throughout the war. |
