Quote Originally Posted by AggonyDuck
Actually from what I've read it wasn't even plunging fire from the Bismarck that sunk HMS Hood, but a 8.1 inch shell fired from Prinz Eugen that pierced the deck armour and hit the secondary magazine that caused a chain-reaction.

But what I find impressive about the Bismarck-class was their armour. Simply the amount of pounding that the Bismarck took before being scuttled is quite amazing really. But on the other hand what use is there off battleship that has no turrets or speed left, but just refuses to sink?
Pure tenacity! If you can't win, then at least you can get the satisfaction that you enemy can't sink you. Typical German.
"So you zink you can sink our ship? Try you weakling British pondsailors! I dare you!"

Anyway, it couldn't have been Hipper that did the damage. The simple fact is she hit Hood a handful of seconds prior to the destructive hit. Given that she was firing entire broadsides and not staggered volleys it can't have been her.
Her hit(s) caused a serious fire just ahead of the bridge where a large crate or stash of flares was held. This is clearly stated.
Besides, her fire didn't plunge enough to be able to punch through to the bottom of Hood. Her shells would at best explode at about sealevel.