Intro
Discover the pivotal role of the HMS Prince of Wales in World War 2, from its launch in 1939 to its tragic sinking by Japanese forces in 1941. Learn about its key battles, including the Battle of Denmark Strait and the Battle of Malaya, and how it played a crucial part in British naval history during WWII.
The Prince of Wales was a British battleship that played a significant role in World War II. Commissioned in January 1941, the ship was the second of the King George V-class battleships, named after the then-Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Prince of Wales, its design and features, and its notable actions during World War II.
Design and Features
The Prince of Wales was designed to be a fast and heavily armed battleship, with a top speed of 28 knots (52 km/h). The ship measured 745 feet 1 inch (227 m) in length and 103 feet 2 inches (31.4 m) in beam, with a draft of 29 feet 6 inches (9 m). It had a standard displacement of 36,000 tons and a full load displacement of 42,000 tons.
The Prince of Wales was armed with ten 14-inch (356 mm) guns, mounted in two quadruple turrets and one double turret. The ship also had 16 5.25-inch (133 mm) guns, 48 2-pounder (40 mm) guns, and 16 0.79-inch (20 mm) guns for anti-aircraft defense. The ship's armor was designed to withstand 14-inch shells, with a maximum thickness of 14 inches (356 mm) on the main belt and 5 inches (127 mm) on the deck.
Propulsion and Range
The Prince of Wales was powered by eight Admiralty 3-drum boilers, which produced 110,000 horsepower (82,000 kW) at full load. The ship's propulsion system consisted of four sets of Parsons geared turbines, which drove four propeller shafts. The Prince of Wales had a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,700 km) at 27 knots (50 km/h).
Notable Actions
The Prince of Wales played a significant role in several notable actions during World War II.
Battle of the Denmark Strait
One of the most notable actions of the Prince of Wales was the Battle of the Denmark Strait, fought on May 24, 1941. The Prince of Wales, along with the battlecruiser HMS Hood, intercepted the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, which were attempting to break out into the Atlantic. The British ships engaged the German vessels, but the Hood was sunk by the Bismarck's 15-inch (380 mm) guns. The Prince of Wales suffered significant damage but managed to escape.
Pursuit of the Bismarck
After the Battle of the Denmark Strait, the Prince of Wales, along with other British warships, pursued the Bismarck in an attempt to sink the German battleship. The Prince of Wales, along with the HMS King George V and the HMS Rodney, engaged the Bismarck on May 27, 1941. The Bismarck was eventually sunk by the British warships.
Far Eastern Service
In November 1941, the Prince of Wales was sent to the Far East to deter Japanese aggression. The ship, along with the battlecruiser HMS Repulse, formed Force Z, a British naval task force based in Singapore. On December 10, 1941, the Prince of Wales and the Repulse were sunk by Japanese bombers while en route to intercept a Japanese invasion force.
Gallery of Prince of Wales Ship in World War 2
Prince of Wales Ship in World War 2 Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Prince of Wales ship?
+The Prince of Wales was a British battleship that played a significant role in World War II.
When was the Prince of Wales ship commissioned?
+The Prince of Wales was commissioned in January 1941.
What was the Prince of Wales ship's top speed?
+The Prince of Wales had a top speed of 28 knots (52 km/h).
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the Prince of Wales ship and its significant role in World War II. The Prince of Wales was a remarkable battleship that played a crucial part in several notable actions, including the Battle of the Denmark Strait and the pursuit of the Bismarck. Its sinking by Japanese bombers in December 1941 was a significant loss for the British Royal Navy. We invite you to share your thoughts and questions about the Prince of Wales ship in the comments section below.