Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Sinking of HMS Prince of Wales & HMS Hood " Original Oil on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Sinking of the Bismarck 1941 HMS Hood stamp issued May 27, 1991. HMS Hood was the largest and most famous warship in the Royal Navy. Built during the dreadnought era of World War I, the "Mighty Hood" combined beautiful lines with massive size to produce the pride of the British Navy. In 1939 Adolf Hitler launched the German battleship Bismarck as the world's newest and most powerful warship. On May 22, 1941, a British battle squadron led by the Hood raced to engage the German colossus as it sailed from Norway toward the North Atlantic. The fleets clashed on May 24, and a shell penetrated the Hood's flimsy deck armor and exploded. The remaining British fleet watched helplessly as the merciless Atlantic engulfed the Hood and more than 1,400 seamen. Within three minutes Britain's beloved flagship was gone. Image Size: 10.5 x 35.25 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 38.25 in. Unframed. (B12891 / B12892)