Intro
Explore the steel behemoths of World War Two in our in-depth analysis of 5 notorious battleships that shaped naval warfare. From the Yamatos massive guns to the Bismarcks stealthy tactics, discover the history, design, and fate of these iconic warships, and learn how they influenced the outcome of the war.
The Second World War was a pivotal moment in world history, with the fate of nations hanging in the balance. Amidst the chaos and destruction, several battleships emerged as legendary vessels, leaving an indelible mark on the conflict. Here, we'll delve into the stories of five notorious World War Two battleships that played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the war.
The Japanese Battleship Yamato
The Yamato was the largest battleship ever constructed, measuring 863 feet (263 meters) in length and displacing over 72,000 tons of water. Commissioned in 1942, the Yamato served as the flagship of the Japanese Combined Fleet and played a crucial role in several key battles. Its impressive armament, including nine 46cm guns, made it a formidable opponent on the high seas.
Specifications and Armament
- Length: 863 feet (263 meters)
- Beam: 127 feet (38.7 meters)
- Draft: 35 feet (10.7 meters)
- Displacement: 72,000 tons
- Speed: 27 knots (50 km/h)
- Armament: 9 x 46cm guns, 12 x 155mm guns, 24 x 127mm guns, and 162 x 25mm anti-aircraft guns
The German Battleship Bismarck
The Bismarck was a behemoth of a battleship, commissioned in 1940 and measuring 794 feet (242 meters) in length. Its impressive speed and firepower made it a force to be reckoned with. The Bismarck is infamous for sinking the British battlecruiser HMS Hood, one of the largest warships in the world at the time. However, its success was short-lived, as it was eventually sunk by the British Navy in May 1941.
Specifications and Armament
- Length: 794 feet (242 meters)
- Beam: 118 feet (36 meters)
- Draft: 31 feet (9.5 meters)
- Displacement: 42,000 tons
- Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h)
- Armament: 8 x 38cm guns, 12 x 15cm guns, 16 x 10.5cm anti-aircraft guns, and 8 x 3.7cm anti-aircraft guns
The American Battleship USS Missouri
The USS Missouri, also known as the "Mighty Mo," was a Iowa-class battleship commissioned in 1944. Measuring 887 feet (270 meters) in length, it played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. The USS Missouri is perhaps most famous for being the site of Japan's formal surrender on September 2, 1945.
Specifications and Armament
- Length: 887 feet (270 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Displacement: 45,000 tons
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Armament: 9 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 80 x 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and 49 x 20mm anti-aircraft guns
The British Battleship HMS King George V
The HMS King George V was a King George V-class battleship commissioned in 1940. Measuring 745 feet (227 meters) in length, it served as the flagship of the British Home Fleet and played a significant role in the Battle of the North Cape, where it helped sink the German battleship Scharnhorst.
Specifications and Armament
- Length: 745 feet (227 meters)
- Beam: 103 feet (31.4 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Displacement: 38,000 tons
- Speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)
- Armament: 10 x 14-inch guns, 16 x 5.25-inch guns, 48 x 2-pounder anti-aircraft guns, and 8 x 20mm anti-aircraft guns
The Japanese Battleship Musashi
The Musashi was a Yamato-class battleship commissioned in 1942. Measuring 863 feet (263 meters) in length, it was the sister ship of the Yamato and served as the flagship of the Japanese Combined Fleet. Although it had a relatively short career, the Musashi participated in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
Specifications and Armament
- Length: 863 feet (263 meters)
- Beam: 127 feet (38.7 meters)
- Draft: 35 feet (10.7 meters)
- Displacement: 72,000 tons
- Speed: 27 knots (50 km/h)
- Armament: 9 x 46cm guns, 12 x 155mm guns, 24 x 127mm guns, and 162 x 25mm anti-aircraft guns
Gallery of Notorious World War Two Battleships
Notorious World War Two Battleships Image Gallery
FAQs
What was the largest battleship ever built?
+The largest battleship ever built was the Japanese battleship Yamato.
Which battleship sank the HMS Hood?
+The German battleship Bismarck sank the HMS Hood.
Where did Japan formally surrender?
+Japan formally surrendered on board the USS Missouri.
We hope you enjoyed this in-depth look at five notorious World War Two battleships. These vessels played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the war and left a lasting impact on naval warfare. Share your thoughts on these legendary battleships in the comments below!