Intro
Discover the storied past of the HMS King George V, a British battleship that played a pivotal role in World War II. Learn five fascinating facts about this iconic warship, including its construction, battle history, and sinking of the Bismarck. Explore its significance in naval warfare and the impact on Allied victories.
The HMS King George V was a British battleship that played a significant role in World War II. Commissioned in 1940, the ship was the lead vessel of the King George V-class, which included four other battleships: HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Duke of York, HMS Anson, and HMS Howe. Here are five interesting facts about the HMS King George V:
Early Years and Design
The HMS King George V was designed to be a faster and more maneuverable battleship compared to its predecessors. The ship was constructed at the Vickers-Armstrongs shipyard in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and was commissioned on December 11, 1940. The King George V-class was designed to meet the requirements of the 1936 London Naval Treaty, which limited the maximum displacement of battleships to 35,000 tons.
Armament and Armor
Armament and Armor
The HMS King George V was heavily armed with ten 14-inch guns, arranged in two quadruple turrets and one twin turret. The ship's armor was designed to provide protection against 14-inch shells, with a maximum thickness of 13 inches on the belt and 5 inches on the deck.
World War II Service
World War II Service
The HMS King George V played a significant role in World War II, serving in several key battles, including the Battle of the North Cape, where the German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk. The ship also served as a convoy escort and provided gunfire support during the Allied invasion of Sicily.
Battle of the North Cape
Battle of the North Cape
The Battle of the North Cape was a decisive naval engagement fought on December 26, 1943, between the British Royal Navy and the German Kriegsmarine. The HMS King George V, along with the HMS Duke of York and several smaller ships, engaged the German battleship Scharnhorst, which was attempting to intercept a British convoy. After a fierce battle, the Scharnhorst was sunk, resulting in the loss of over 1,900 German sailors.
Post-War Service and Decommissioning
Post-War Service and Decommissioning
After World War II, the HMS King George V continued to serve in the Royal Navy, participating in several peacetime exercises and operations. The ship was eventually decommissioned in 1950 and scrapped in 1959.
Gallery of HMS King George V
HMS King George V Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed learning more about the HMS King George V, a remarkable battleship that played a significant role in World War II. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!