Warships of World War II
Fought around the globe, navies played a key role in World War II. The conflict is most notable for the rise of the aircraft carrier as a fleet's most significant offensive weapon and the decline of the battleship. Here we examine the ships that dueled during the conflict.
World War I & II: HMS Warspite
Launched in 1913, the battleship HMS Warspite saw extensive service during both world wars. A Queen Elizabeth-class battleship, Warspite fought at Jutland in 1916. After an extensive modernization in 1935, Warspite fought in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans during World War II and provided support during the Normandy landings.
Launched in 1913, the battleship HMS Warspite saw extensive service during both world wars. A Queen Elizabeth-class battleship, Warspite fought at Jutland in 1916. After an extensive modernization in 1935, Warspite fought in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans during World War II and provided support during the Normandy landings.
World War II: HMS Ark Royal - Pride of Force H
HMS Ark Royal was the second purpose-built aircraft carrier built for the Royal Navy. Launched in 1937, HMS Ark Royal saw extensive service in the Mediterranean during the early years of World War II. In 1941, its aircraft successfully attacked the German battleship Bismarck, disabling its steering. Ark Royal was sunk in late 1941, after being torpedoed by U-81.
HMS Ark Royal was the second purpose-built aircraft carrier built for the Royal Navy. Launched in 1937, HMS Ark Royal saw extensive service in the Mediterranean during the early years of World War II. In 1941, its aircraft successfully attacked the German battleship Bismarck, disabling its steering. Ark Royal was sunk in late 1941, after being torpedoed by U-81.
World War II: DKM Bismarck - Nazi Germany's Mightiest Battleship
DKM Bismarck was one of the most feared battleships constructed by Nazi Germany. Launched in 1939, Bismarck inspired such fear that when it first entered the Atlantic two years later the British devoted all of their resources to sinking it. After defeating HMS Hood, Bismarck was damaged by British aircraft and ultimately sunk on May 27, 1941.
DKM Bismarck was one of the most feared battleships constructed by Nazi Germany. Launched in 1939, Bismarck inspired such fear that when it first entered the Atlantic two years later the British devoted all of their resources to sinking it. After defeating HMS Hood, Bismarck was damaged by British aircraft and ultimately sunk on May 27, 1941.
World War II: USS Franklin
USS Franklin was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that saw service during World War II. Built at Newport News, VA, USS Franklin operated in the Pacific and took part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On March 19, 1945, USS Franklin was badly damaged during a Japanese air attack which ended its career.
USS Franklin was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that saw service during World War II. Built at Newport News, VA, USS Franklin operated in the Pacific and took part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On March 19, 1945, USS Franklin was badly damaged during a Japanese air attack which ended its career.
World War II: USS Indianapolis
Commissioned in 1932, USS Indianapolis was a Portland-class heavy cruiser. Seeing action in the Pacific during World War II, USS Indianapolis participated in many of the conflicts major campaigns and was tasked with carrying the atomic bomb to Tinian in 1945. After delivering the bomb, USS Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk with many of the crew dying of exposure and shark attacks.
Commissioned in 1932, USS Indianapolis was a Portland-class heavy cruiser. Seeing action in the Pacific during World War II, USS Indianapolis participated in many of the conflicts major campaigns and was tasked with carrying the atomic bomb to Tinian in 1945. After delivering the bomb, USS Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk with many of the crew dying of exposure and shark attacks.
World War II: USS Missouri
USS Missouri was an Iowa-class battleship that was launched during World War II. The last battleship built for the US Navy, USS Missoui saw action in the Pacific and was the site of the formal surrender of Japan. After the conflict, USS Missouri saw service in the Korean War and, after a major refit, the 1991 Gulf War.
USS Missouri was an Iowa-class battleship that was launched during World War II. The last battleship built for the US Navy, USS Missoui saw action in the Pacific and was the site of the formal surrender of Japan. After the conflict, USS Missouri saw service in the Korean War and, after a major refit, the 1991 Gulf War.
World War II: Battleship Yamato
The Japanese battleship Yamato, and its sisters, were the largest, most powerful ships of their type ever constructed. Completed in late 1941, Yamato served with the Imperial Japanese Navy throughout World War II. In April 1945, Yamato was sunk by US aircraft while on a "suicide ride" to aid in the defense of Okinawa.
The Japanese battleship Yamato, and its sisters, were the largest, most powerful ships of their type ever constructed. Completed in late 1941, Yamato served with the Imperial Japanese Navy throughout World War II. In April 1945, Yamato was sunk by US aircraft while on a "suicide ride" to aid in the defense of Okinawa.