Prototype Information: DKM Tirpitz, WWII German Battleship The German battleship Tirpitz was the sister ship of the Bismark, which was sunk by the British Royal Navy in perhaps the most famous sea chase in history. Although the Tirpitz had a much longer life than her sister ship she was destined to spend it hiding from air attack in the fjords of Norway. Eventually, after numerous attack she was sunk by RAF Lancater bombers from 617 and 9 Squadrons in November 1944. The Tirpitz was armed with 8x15" guns and could reach a speed of 30 knots.