This was disproved during the action against the German battleship Bismarck, where Rodney was able to fire upwards of 40 broadsides (380 shells) without major structural damage except to deck planking and upper deck fittings, although damage to sickbay fittings, partition bulkheads, toilet bowls and plumbing in the forecastle was extensive.
Hal ini dibantah selama aksi melawan kapal tempur Jerman Bismarck, di mana Rodney mampu menembakkan ke atas dari 40 broadsides (380 shells) tanpa kerusakan struktural utama kecuali untuk dek papan dan dek fitting atas, meskipun kerusakan kamar sakit di kapal fitting, dinding pemisah bagian partisi, Bowl toilet dan pipa di forecastle adalah luas.