“Jock” Moffat †

John “Jock” Moffat, the Swordfish pilot who crippled the German battleship Bismarck on 26 May 1941, has died at the age of 97. On the day of the attack, it is believed that Moffat and his crew were able to launch a torpedo that struck and jammed Bismarck’s rudder, preventing it from escaping from the Royal Navy task force pursuing it. It was scuttled the following day by its crew while under attack by Royal Navy ships.

“Jock” Moffat, who was born in 1919, returned to civilian life after the war but always kept an interest in aviation and started flying again in his 60s.

Source: Royal Navy

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/2016/12/15/jock-moffat-%e2%80%a0/

3 comments

    • RODNEY PATTISSON on October 28, 2017 at 9:04 PM
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    John Moffat by his own admission launched his torpedo at Bismarck’s port side but the fatal shot hit her starboard’s side entering her steering compartment rendering her unsteerable. Only 2 pilots attacked her starboard’s side namely Kenneth Pattisson and Godfrey.Fawsett.

    • RODNEY PATTISSON on November 19, 2017 at 1:02 PM
    • Reply

    Conclusive proof of the fatal torpedo that entered Bismarck’s starboard steering compartment, jamming her starboard rudder against her central proprellor can be viewed in James Cameron’s film available on You-Tube ‘Expedition Battleship Bismarck’ seen on footage after 1hr 7 mins.

    1. Rodney Pattison is entitled to his personal views but readers should be informed of his distorted views and warned of his deranged and personal vendetta.

      There is absolutely no conclusive proof of the fatal torpedo, and it is certainly not given in that YouTube documentary.
      The state of the wreck as it lies on the seabed can offer none.
      Before she finally sank Bismarck was hit by a further six large calibre torpedoes from the cruisers Norfolk and Dorsetshire, was holed by several shells from the battleships Rodney and King George V and scuttling charges in the hull were also detonated.
      After capsizing Bismarck hit the side of a seamount with great force, and slid down its side it for hundreds of yards.
      The underwater survey carried out by David Mearns found that her stern section was completely sheared off.

      It is in extremely poor taste that the bitter old man Rodney takes to defame the name of those who served bravely.

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