Why Did Hms Hood Explode ?

[DWG]

https://www.britannica.com/topic/HMS-Hood - in topic of Britannica there are also a damage of propeler shaft that caused a spark that ignited munitions store.

Something I noticed when re-reading this today - the author description is "contributes articles on the social sciences and humanities". *headdesk*

 

[Sgt. Saunders]

At least two of the principal eywitnesses (Capt. Leach and Cmdr. Lawson) made earlier statements at Scapa Flow regarding their opinion that exploding UP ammunition from the boat deck fire sunk Hood via penetration of the flash proofing of 'X' turret (contrary to widely held belief, there were at least four pathways from the boat deck to a magazine). This directly contradicted their enquiry testimony. Further testimony from other eyewitnesses aboard Prince of Wales
which supported these earlier statements were duly noted and then ignored. After the enquiry, the Navy removed UP launchers ftom every ship in the fleet.

 

[Sgt. Saunders]

I personally wonder, why everyone always considered either belt or deck, but almost never the #3 barbette. Which was always right there, vulnerable and perfectly exposed.

They did, but not via shell penetration. Rather, by flash. In a post battle interview at Scapa Flow, Captain Leach and his executive officer (Cmdr. H. F. Lawson) both stated their opinion that exploding UP ammunition from the boat deck fire sunk Hood, likely via the penetration of the flash proofing of 'X' turret. Eyewitness testimony which supported this possibility was noted and then ignored by the second board of enquiry.