7 Facts About Hms Prince Of Wales Battleship

Intro

Uncover the history of HMS Prince of Wales, a British battleship that played a pivotal role in World War II. Discover 7 fascinating facts about its construction, armor, armament, and pivotal battles, including the infamous encounter with the Bismarck. Learn about its size, speed, and crew, as well as its eventual fate.

The HMS Prince of Wales was a British battleship that played a significant role in the early years of World War II. As one of the largest and most advanced warships of its time, the HMS Prince of Wales was a formidable force on the high seas. Here are 7 fascinating facts about this iconic battleship:

HMS Prince of Wales battleship

Design and Construction

The HMS Prince of Wales was one of five King George V-class battleships built by the British Royal Navy in the late 1930s. The ship was designed to counter the growing naval threat from Germany and Japan, with a focus on speed, firepower, and armor. Construction on the HMS Prince of Wales began in January 1937 at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, England. The ship was launched on May 3, 1939, and completed in March 1941.

Armament and Firepower

The HMS Prince of Wales was heavily armed with a main armament of 10 x 14-inch guns, arranged in two quadruple and one double turret. The ship also carried 16 x 5.25-inch dual-purpose guns, 48 x 2-pounder anti-aircraft guns, and 24 x 20mm anti-aircraft guns. The HMS Prince of Wales had a total firepower of over 20,000 pounds per minute, making it one of the most heavily armed warships of its time.

HMS Prince of Wales armament

Early Career and the Battle of Denmark Strait

The HMS Prince of Wales began its sea trials in March 1941 and joined the British Home Fleet in May 1941. On May 24, 1941, the ship participated in the Battle of Denmark Strait, where it engaged the German battleship Bismarck. Although the HMS Prince of Wales suffered significant damage, it managed to sink the Bismarck's escort ship, the Prinz Eugen.

Repairs and Upgrades

After the Battle of Denmark Strait, the HMS Prince of Wales underwent repairs and upgrades at the Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland. The ship's armor was strengthened, and its anti-aircraft defenses were improved. The HMS Prince of Wales also received a new radar system and improved fire control systems.

HMS Prince of Wales repairs

The Sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales

On December 10, 1941, the HMS Prince of Wales was sunk by Japanese bombers while anchored off the coast of Kuantan, Malaysia. The ship was part of a British task force sent to intercept Japanese invasion forces in Malaya. Despite efforts to save the ship, the HMS Prince of Wales capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of 327 lives.

Legacy and Rememberance

The HMS Prince of Wales played a significant role in the early years of World War II, participating in several key battles and engaging enemy warships. Although the ship's career was cut short, it remains an important part of British naval history. The HMS Prince of Wales is remembered as a symbol of British determination and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

HMS Prince of Wales memorial

Conclusion

The HMS Prince of Wales was a formidable battleship that played a significant role in the early years of World War II. With its advanced design, heavy armament, and bravery in battle, the ship remains an important part of British naval history. Despite its untimely sinking, the HMS Prince of Wales will always be remembered as a symbol of British determination and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

HMS Prince of Wales

Gallery of HMS Prince of Wales Battleship

FAQs

What was the HMS Prince of Wales used for?

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The HMS Prince of Wales was a British battleship used for naval defense during World War II.

What was the HMS Prince of Wales' top speed?

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The HMS Prince of Wales had a top speed of 28 knots (52 km/h).

How many crew members did the HMS Prince of Wales have?

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The HMS Prince of Wales had a crew of over 1,500 members.

Jonny Richards

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