The Bismarck Range is a mountain range in the central highlands of northeastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea. The range is named after Otto von Bismarck, from the period from the 1880s to 1914 when this part of the island was under German occupation. The highest point is Mount Wilhelm, named after the German emperor, at 14,793 feet (4,509 m). Over 3,400 metres (11,155 feet), the landscape is alpine with tundra, and even snow-capped mountains, in spite of the tropical climate. The Ramu River has its source in the range. The most general definition of mountain range is a group of mountains bordered by lowlands. ... Prince Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck-Schönhausen, Duke of Lauenburg (April 1, 1815 â July 30, 1898) was one of the most prominent European aristocrats and statesmen of the nineteenth century. ... Events and Trends Technology Development and commercial production of electric lighting Development and commercial production of gasoline-powered automobile by Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler and Maybach First commercial production and sales of phonographs and phonograph recordings. ... 1914 is a common year starting on Thursday. ... Mount Wilhelm is the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea at 4509m (14,793ft). ... Kaiser Wilhelm II Wilhelm II, German Emperor and King of Prussia, ( 27 January , 1859â4 June , 1941) was the last German Emperor ( Kaiser ) and the last King ( König ) of Prussia, ruling from 1888 to 1918. ... For the climate of the mountains named the Alps, see climate) for a region above the tree-line. ... In physical geography, tundra is an area where tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons. ...
Bismarck and Prinz Eugen were forced into emergency manoeuvres when they believed they had detected the sounds of torpedoes and then by the appearance of a Sunderland flying-boat.
Bismarck was therefore able to make good time on 25/26 May in her unhindered passage towards France and protective air cover and destroyer escort.
Throughout that night, Bismarck was the target of incessant torpedo attacks by the Tribal class destroyers Cossack, Sikh, Maori and Zulu, with the Polish Piorun.
In Bismarck's final battle, the ship was fought from the conning tower, since she was no longer maneuverable, but at the extremely close range the engagement was fought even this station proved to be no safe haven for its occupants.
Increased gun ranges and the threat of aerial attack meant that the deck armor had to be effective against shells and bombs with very steep angles of fall.
Bismarck continued on a course south to southwest until 0300 on 25 May, when she made a long gradual turn to starboard and maneuvered some distance behind her zig-zagging British pursuers on a course towards Cape Finnestere, France.