“HMS Hood took several direct hits – the first of which were from the Prinz Eugen . . . “
As best I know, the Hood had 15 inch guns, and the best the Prinz Eugen had was 8 inch guns - how did they let the German cruiser get within firing range?
The Prinz Eugen had new, high velocity guns that would have longer range than Hood’s guns.
Admiral Holland knew he had to get inside the plunging fire range of the Germans. Hence driving straight for the German ships and masking his aft guns.