This series covers the capital ships of the German Navy of World War II, this volume examines the design, development and operational use of the battleships used by the Kriegsmarine. The sinking of the Bismarck is also covered.

In this book, Gordon Williamson examines the design, development and operational use of the battleships used by the Kriegsmarine during World War II. The 'Schlesien' and 'Schleswig-Hostein' were used mostly as training ships until the end of the war when they took part in bombardment of Soviet troop movements in East Prussia. The 'Scharnhorst' had a successful career until her sinking at the battle of the North Cape, and the 'Gneisenau' with her ignominious end as a block-ship. Bismarck's short but glorious career and Tirpitz's lonely vigil in Norway's distant Fjords until sunk by RAF bombers using the massive 'Tallboy' bombs are also covered.