Answer: "The rare capital ship engagements of the war" refers to the infrequent naval battles during a war that involved large warships, such as battleships or aircraft carriers. These types of engagements were considered significant due to the high level of firepower and strategic importance of the capital ships involved.
Explanation: In this context, "the rare capital ship engagements of the war" refers to the few instances during World War II when major naval battles took place involving large warships, like battleships or cruisers, and the significance of these events due to the high level of firepower and strategic importance of the ships involved. Specifically, the passage is referring to the historic engagement between the British Navy and Germany's most powerful battleship, the Bismarck, and its accompanying cruiser, the Prinz Eugen.