How fast did HMS Rodney go when chasing Bismarck?

Today we take a look at what the evidence is for the speed of HMS Rodney during her famous chase of and then battle with, the German battleship Bismarck

00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:55 - A need for speed

[mitchelloates]

Retired USN submariner, 1977 to 97, Machinist Mate in the Naval Nuclear Power Program.
That whole episode speaks volumes about the professionalism, knowledge, and experience of Rodney's Engineering crew. It took a well-trained crew, who knew their plant well, and just how far they could push it - especially given the overall condition of the machinery - without causing a catastrophic failure - and still managing to keep the ship operational afterwards.
During my 20 years in the engine room on submarines, there were times when we had to make repairs that normally would have required the services of a shore facility - but because we had good people that knew their job, we were able to pull it off.
Your analogy with a car engine is spot on. If you don't stress your machinery when it isn't necessary, it will be capable of going above and beyond, and holding together, when it IS necessary.
My respect to the Engineering crew of the Rodney. They were good lads and good engineers, none better.

[merkavamayhem]

HMS Rodney's captain in Clarckson's voice:

[derekashwell]

My dad was stoker petty officer on H. M. S. Rodney from April 1939 until Feb 1943. He mention that they had the engines going flat out whilst chasing the Bismark but no mention of people collapsing from heat exhaustion, though it might have happened. He said that after the action the deck plates were buckled from the recoil of the guns and the guns had to be resleeved. After leaving the Rodney he joined the light cruiser H. M. S. Jamaica and was on her when they sank the Scharnhorst.

[admiraltiberius]

Rodney's machine spirits were greatly angered and demanded blood!!!

[joeelliott]

I certainly hope that at some point the Chief Engineer spoke to the Captain through the voice tube to tell him in a Scottish accent "We can't keep up this speed much longer Captain. She's going to blow."

[SigurdStormhand]

The fact that Bismarck's violent disassembly of HMS Hood resulted in HMS Rodney's crew to running her engines to death to catch Bismarck and then virtually shaking the ship to bits with the violence of repeatedly firing her own massive guns is one of the best parts of this story.

[ShinyaKogamiawesome]

To quote Captain Hikaru Sulu: "Fly Her Apart Then!"

[ravenfeeder]

Excellent Captain and an elite crew sailing and fighting their ship beyond expectations. RN at its best.

[admiralrover]

Nelson Class BB Design Paper(HMS Rodney): “Maximum Speed is 23 knots”
Capt. Hamilton and British Crews: “Nuh Uh☝🏻🗿”

[Kevin-mxvi]

Back in the 70's I worked for a company that converted coal/coke fired industrial boilers to run on oil and/or gas. These boilers ran at nowhere near the pressure of warship boilers so I think we can assume they did not get as hot.
Having been in the fire tubes of these boilers after they had been shut down and cooling for several days, I can tell you that were still too hot to be tolerated for more than a few minutes. .
Scouse Nesbitt deserved a medal and a pension !

[shadowfaxx]

One of my favourite books as a kid was "Pursuit Sinking of the Bismarck" or something like that by Ludovik Kennedy?? The book described how Rodney basically maintained Radio Silence during that time and the Admiralty had no idea where Rodney was until she showed up at the perfect time and place.

[scotthill]

HMS Rodney and her crew represented what I associate with the Royal Navy. Bismarck was a clear and present danger. HMS Rodney did what was necessary to meet that danger.

[TheCaptainbeefylog]

I have no doubt that Rodney was able to make 25 knots in her dash to find Bismarck, or that she nearly flogged her machinery to pieces doing it.
Chaps like young Nesbitt are the reason the RN had instances such as this happen. I hope he was looked after with a gong or two for his efforts.

[anglonorse]

I must admit, this is one topic I have hoped Drach would cover. Thanks Drach

[davidarchibald]

My father-in-law, an engineer, spoke of Rodney in awed terms. Of men who served their apprenticeships building her, her engineering, armour, and her guns. They are all gone now, the men of my father-in-law's generation, the men who built the Rodney's and that fought for our futures. They left us a peaceful world that we have squandered, and soon our grandchildren will fight and die again. If only we had paid more attention to the cost they paid, our father's, we may have been better husbands to the future. Thanks for the history Drachinfel. We said we would remember, but, alas we forgot.

[TimMeinschein-js]

"Ride the 130's!" (Like the RMS Carpathia that fateful night she "bent on" 17 knots!!)
A steam ship has Relief Valves (Safety Valves) at 110%, 120%, and 130% of Operating Pressure. You can Bypass the "10s and 20s" and run your Turbines at about 125% of "Normal Operating Pressure".
Assuming a 300 "pound plant" this means that a ship would be feeding 375psi to her Main Turbines! (Or on the USS Saratoga (CV-60) that had a 1, 200 PSI plant could run at 1, 500 PSI...

[paullaw]

This is a masterful presentation! What a relief to hear an account that is illuminated by insight into the actual practical conditions of running a ship, rather than the regurgitated wisdom of secondhand narratives!

[joshthomasmoorenew]

Rodney's engines were fueled by the raw anger and might of Royal Navy when she learned Hood died.

[JayVeeEss]

You've mentioned before that the Nelson Class had an efficient hull form. Thank you for providing some additional explanation and context to this. I'm preaching to the choir but more of our british naval engineering should have been preserved!

[williamcarl]

Upon completion my old carrier (Forrestal class) was designed for 36 knots. 35 years and multiple refits later we managed 32 for a 6 hour full power run. And yes, external cooling of several components was required. Amazing feeling of accomplishment from what would be her last set of work ups.