5 Facts About Hms Prince Of Wales Battleship

The HMS Prince of Wales was a formidable battleship that played a significant role in the early years of World War II. As one of the five King George V-class battleships, the HMS Prince of Wales was designed to be a powerful addition to the British Royal Navy. Here are five interesting facts about this iconic warship.

Construction and Launch

The HMS Prince of Wales was constructed at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, England. The ship's keel was laid on January 1, 1937, and it was launched on May 3, 1939. The construction process took around two years to complete, and the ship was finally commissioned into the Royal Navy on January 19, 1941.

Design and Armament

The HMS Prince of Wales was designed to be a fast and heavily armed battleship. It measured 745 feet 9 inches (227 meters) in length and had a beam of 103 feet 2 inches (31.4 meters). The ship's armament consisted of ten 14-inch (356 mm) guns mounted in two quadruple turrets and one twin turret, as well as sixteen 5.25-inch (133 mm) guns and 48 anti-aircraft guns. The ship's armor was also impressive, with a maximum thickness of 14 inches (356 mm) on the main belt.

Battle of Denmark Strait

One of the most notable battles involving the HMS Prince of Wales was the Battle of Denmark Strait. On May 24, 1941, the HMS Prince of Wales, along with the HMS Hood, intercepted the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in the Denmark Strait. The battle was intense, and the HMS Hood was sunk by the Bismarck. However, the HMS Prince of Wales managed to damage the Bismarck and force it to retreat.

Sinkings and Losses

Unfortunately, the HMS Prince of Wales did not survive the war unscathed. On December 10, 1941, the ship was attacked by Japanese bombers while escorting the battleship HMS Repulse off the coast of Malaya. Despite putting up a fierce defense, the HMS Prince of Wales was sunk, resulting in the loss of 327 lives. The sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales was a significant blow to the British Royal Navy, as it was one of the most modern and powerful battleships in the fleet at the time.

Legacy and Remembering the Crew

The HMS Prince of Wales may be gone, but it is not forgotten. The ship's legacy lives on as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of its crew. In 2012, a memorial to the HMS Prince of Wales was unveiled in Birkenhead, England, where the ship was built. The memorial honors the crew of the ship and serves as a reminder of the important role the HMS Prince of Wales played in World War II.

The Final Years and the Salvage of HMS Prince of Wales

In the years following the sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales, the wreck of the ship remained on the seafloor. However, in the 1950s, a salvage operation was undertaken to recover the ship's propellers and other valuable materials. The operation was successful, and many of the ship's components were recovered and reused.

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

The story of the HMS Prince of Wales serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the men who served on the ship. Despite its relatively short career, the HMS Prince of Wales played an important role in World War II, and its legacy continues to be felt today. As we look back on the history of the HMS Prince of Wales, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of courage, loyalty, and determination in the face of adversity.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the HMS Prince of Wales and its place in history. What do you think is the most interesting fact about this battleship? Share your comments and insights below.

Gallery of HMS Prince of Wales

HMS Prince of Wales Image Gallery