Top 10 Most Famous Battleships of WW2

October 10, 2024

Key Points

What is the most renowned battleship from World War II?
The USS Missouri is often celebrated as the most renowned battleship ever constructed.

Which battleship holds the title of the greatest of all time?
The Imperial Japanese Navy's Yamato, along with its sister ship Musashi, holds the title for being the largest and most powerfully armed battleships ever built. They were equipped with nine 46 cm Type 94 main guns.

During World War II, which battleship was the most feared?
The German battleship Bismarck was the most feared during WWII. Launched in 1939, it was noted for its formidable combination of size, speed, and firepower.

What were the most powerful battleships in World War II?
The Yamato stands out as one of the most powerful battleships in WWII. It was the heaviest and most heavily armed battleship constructed, commissioned shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

The battleships of WW2 remain some of the most iconic and powerful warships ever built. These massive floating fortresses played a crucial role in naval warfare, shaping the outcome of major battles and campaigns during World War II. From the mighty USS Iowa to the legendary Yamato, these steel giants left an indelible mark on military history, captivating the imagination of both historians and enthusiasts alike.

This article delves into the top 10 most famous battleships of WW2, exploring their unique features and significant contributions to the war effort. Readers will discover the strengths of American, British, Japanese, and German battleships, including the formidable King George V class and the infamous Bismarck. By examining these naval titans, we gain insight into the strategies and technologies that influenced the course of the Pacific War, the Normandy invasion, and ultimately led to the Japanese surrender.

American Battleships

The United States Navy's battleships played a crucial role in World War II, serving as formidable weapons of war and symbols of American naval power. Among the most famous American battleships of WW2 were the USS Missouri, USS Iowa, and USS New Jersey.

USS Missouri, nicknamed "Mighty Mo," was the third Iowa-class battleship commissioned by the U.S. Navy. Completed in 1944, she participated in several significant operations during the Pacific War. The Missouri provided fire support during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and shelled Japanese home islands. Her most notable moment came on September 2, 1945, when she hosted the formal surrender ceremony of the Empire of Japan, effectively ending World War II ^[1].

The USS Iowa, lead ship of her class, was another powerful American battleship that saw extensive action during the war. Commissioned in 1943, she played a vital role in the Pacific Theater. The Iowa provided anti-aircraft defense for carriers conducting strikes against Tokyo and supported the invasions of the Marshall Islands. She also participated in the bombardment of Saipan and Tinian, demonstrating the effectiveness of battleship firepower in amphibious operations ^[2].

USS New Jersey, the second of the Iowa-class battleships, earned more battle stars for combat actions than her sister ships. Launched on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor, she fought in numerous engagements throughout the Pacific. The New Jersey took part in every major amphibious invasion after 1943, including operations in the Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, Marianas, and Philippines. She also played a significant role in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle for Leyte Gulf, two of the largest naval battles in history ^[3].

These American battleships were armed with formidable weaponry. Their main batteries consisted of nine 16-inch guns capable of firing 2,700-pound armor-piercing shells up to 23 miles. They also carried numerous secondary 5-inch guns and anti-aircraft weapons, making them versatile platforms for both shore bombardment and fleet defense.

The Iowa-class battleships, including Missouri, Iowa, and New Jersey, were designed to be fast enough to keep up with aircraft carriers. This capability allowed them to provide crucial protection for carrier groups while also serving as powerful offensive weapons in their own right. Their speed and firepower made them essential assets in the U.S. Navy's island-hopping strategy across the Pacific.

Throughout the war, these battleships demonstrated their versatility and effectiveness in various roles. They provided shore bombardment to support amphibious landings, engaged in surface actions against enemy ships, and offered formidable anti-aircraft protection for the fleet. Their presence often had a significant psychological impact on both allied and enemy forces, serving as visible symbols of American naval might.

Learn more or you can buy now!!!

British Battleships

The British Royal Navy played a crucial role in World War II, with its battleships serving as powerful symbols of naval dominance. Among the most notable British battleships of WW2 were the HMS King George V and HMS Prince of Wales, both part of the King George V class.

HMS King George V

HMS King George V, the lead ship of her class, was commissioned in 1940 and quickly became a formidable presence in the Atlantic theater. This 745-foot vessel was large and sophisticated for her era, serving with distinction throughout the Second World War ^[4]. The King George V class battleships were designed under the restrictions of the Washington Treaty, showcasing the Royal Navy's ability to create powerful warships within international limitations ^[5].

One of HMS King George V's most significant contributions came in May 1941 when she played a crucial role in the hunt for and pursuit of the German battleship Bismarck. Along with HMS Rodney, King George V inflicted severe damage on the Bismarck, leading to the German vessel's sinking ^[6]. This engagement demonstrated the effectiveness of British naval power and helped secure vital Atlantic shipping lanes.

Throughout the war, HMS King George V participated in various operations, including escorting convoys and providing support for amphibious landings. Her versatility was evident as she served in all three major naval theaters: the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific ^[6]. In the later stages of the war, King George V was present in Tokyo Bay during the surrender ceremonies, symbolizing the Allied victory and Britain's role in it ^[4].

HMS Prince of Wales

HMS Prince of Wales, another King George V class battleship, had a brief but impactful career during World War II. Commissioned in 1941, she quickly saw action, participating in the Battle of the Denmark Strait alongside HMS Hood against the German battleship Bismarck. During this engagement, Prince of Wales scored three hits on Bismarck, forcing the German ship to abandon her raiding mission ^[7].

In a notable diplomatic mission, Prince of Wales carried Prime Minister Winston Churchill across the Atlantic for a secret meeting with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, known as the Atlantic Conference ^[7]. This journey highlighted the ship's importance not only in combat but also in high-level political affairs.

Tragically, Prince of Wales met her fate on December 10, 1941, just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Along with the battlecruiser HMS Repulse, she was sunk by Japanese aircraft off the coast of Malaya ^[7]. This event marked a significant turning point in naval warfare, demonstrating the vulnerability of capital ships to air attacks and foreshadowing the diminishing role of battleships in modern naval combat.

The loss of Prince of Wales and Repulse severely weakened the British Eastern Fleet in Singapore, impacting the Royal Navy's ability to counter Japanese expansion in the region . This event underscored the changing nature of naval warfare and the increasing importance of air power in maritime conflicts during World War II.

Japanese Battleships

The Imperial Japanese Navy's battleships played a significant role in World War II, with the Yamato and Musashi standing out as the largest and most powerful warships ever constructed. These massive vessels were designed to be the principal strategic weapons of the Japanese fleet, displacing nearly 72,000 long tons at full load ^[1].

Yamato

The Yamato, launched in 1940, was the lead ship of her class and became the flagship of the Japanese Combined Fleet. She carried a main battery of nine 18.1-inch (460 millimeter) guns, the largest naval artillery ever fitted to a warship ^[1]. These guns were capable of firing 1,460 kg (3,220 lb) shells over 42 km (26 mi) ^[4].

Despite her impressive armament, Yamato only fired her main guns at enemy warships in one engagement during the Battle of Leyte Gulf ^[1]. In this battle, Yamato helped sink the American escort carrier Gambier Bay and the destroyer Johnston ^[6]. However, she was ultimately forced to retreat due to torpedo attacks from American ships ^[6].

Yamato's final mission came in April 1945 as part of Operation Ten-Go, a suicide mission to defend Okinawa. On April 7, 1945, she was sunk by American carrier-based aircraft, taking with her most of her crew ^[6].

Musashi

Musashi, Yamato's sister ship, was launched in 1940 and commissioned in 1942 ^[1] ^[4]. Like Yamato, she displaced about 71,000 tons fully loaded and was armed with nine 18.1-inch guns ^[3]. Musashi served as the flagship of the Combined Fleet from February 1943 ^[4].

During the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, Musashi met her fate. She was attacked by American carrier aircraft and sustained massive damage from multiple bomb and torpedo hits. After withstanding 17 bombs and 19 torpedoes, Musashi finally capsized and sank on October 24, 1944 ^[3] ^[4].

The loss of Musashi was a significant blow to the Japanese Navy, demonstrating the vulnerability of even the largest battleships to concentrated air attacks. Her wreck was discovered in March 2015 by a research team sponsored by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen ^[3].

Both Yamato and Musashi represented the pinnacle of battleship design, but their limited operational history and ultimate fates highlighted the changing nature of naval warfare in World War II. These massive warships, while impressive, proved to be less effective than aircraft carriers in the Pacific theater, marking the end of the battleship era.

Check out our playlist on our YouTube channel!

German Battleships

The German Kriegsmarine's battleships played a significant role in World War II, with the Bismarck and Tirpitz standing out as the most formidable warships of their time. These massive vessels were designed to be the principal strategic weapons of the German fleet, representing the pinnacle of naval engineering and firepower.

Bismarck

The Bismarck, launched in 1939, was the first of two Bismarck-class battleships built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine. Named after Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, this colossal warship displaced 41,700 tons as built and 50,300 tons fully loaded, with an overall length of 251 meters ^[1]. The Bismarck was armed with eight 38 cm (15 in) SK C/34 guns arranged in four twin gun turrets, making her one of the most powerful battleships of World War II ^[1].

The Bismarck's brief but impactful career began with her commissioning into the German fleet in August 1940. Her first and only combat mission, Operation Rheinübung, started in May 1941. During this operation, the Bismarck engaged in the Battle of the Denmark Strait, where she sank the British battlecruiser HMS Hood, the pride of the Royal Navy ^[2]. This victory, however, was short-lived.

The sinking of the Hood prompted a massive pursuit by the Royal Navy, determined to avenge their loss. After a series of engagements and air attacks, the Bismarck was eventually cornered by British forces. On May 27, 1941, she was sunk in the North Atlantic after a fierce battle with British warships, including the battleships King George V and Rodney ^[2].

Tirpitz

The Tirpitz, sister ship to the Bismarck, was launched on April 1, 1939, and commissioned on February 25, 1941 ^[3]. She was the largest battleship ever built by a European power, displacing 42,900 tons as built and 52,600 tons fully loaded ^[6]. The Tirpitz's main armament consisted of eight 15-inch guns housed in four turrets, with a maximum range of 22.4 miles ^[6].

Unlike her sister ship, the Tirpitz spent most of the war as a "fleet in being," threatening Allied convoys and tying down significant naval resources. She was stationed in various Norwegian fjords, where her presence alone was enough to disrupt Allied operations in the Arctic ^[4].

The Allies made numerous attempts to neutralize the Tirpitz. One of the most notable was Operation Source in September 1943, where British X-craft midget submarines attacked the battleship, causing significant damage ^[7]. The Tirpitz was eventually sunk on November 12, 1944, during Operation Catechism, when RAF bombers using Tallboy earthquake bombs caused the ship to capsize ^[5].

The German battleships of World War II, particularly the Bismarck and Tirpitz, represented the last hurrah of the battleship era. Their power and presence significantly influenced naval strategy during the war, but their fates also demonstrated the increasing vulnerability of large surface ships to air power and submarines. The loss of these mighty warships marked a turning point in naval warfare, signaling the end of the battleship's dominance on the high seas.

Conclusion

The battleships of World War II left an indelible mark on naval history, showcasing the pinnacle of naval engineering and firepower. These floating fortresses, from the mighty Yamato to the formidable Bismarck, played crucial roles in major naval engagements and shaped the course of the war. Their stories of triumph and tragedy highlight the changing nature of naval warfare, where air power began to overshadow traditional surface combat.

While these steel giants ultimately gave way to aircraft carriers as the dominant force at sea, their legacy lives on. The courage of their crews, the engineering marvels they represented, and the pivotal moments they influenced continue to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike. As we reflect on these iconic warships, we gain a deeper appreciation for the technological advancements and strategic shifts that defined naval warfare in the 20th century and beyond.