The Events Leading to Scuttling Operation Rheinübung: In May 1941, the Bismarck and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen set out to disrupt Allied convoys in the Atlantic. Battle of the Denmark Strait: On May 24, the Bismarck sank the British battle cruiser Hood, a major blow to the Royal Navy, but was itself damaged. Disablement: On May 26, British torpedo-bombers from the aircraft carrier Ark Royal scored a disabling hit on the Bismarck's rudder, leaving the battleship unable to maneuver and fleeing towa