10 Surprising Facts About Ww2 Hms Prince Of Wales

The HMS Prince of Wales was a British battleship that played a significant role in World War II. While many people are familiar with the ship's fate, there are several surprising facts about the HMS Prince of Wales that are not as well-known. In this article, we will explore some of these fascinating facts and shed light on the history of this iconic warship.

Early Construction and Launch

The HMS Prince of Wales was constructed at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, England, and was launched on May 3, 1939. The ship was initially intended to be part of the King George V-class of battleships, but due to delays and changes in design, it was completed as a separate vessel. The HMS Prince of Wales was designed to be a more heavily armored ship than its predecessors, with a focus on protecting its vital systems from enemy fire.

Armament and Defense Systems

The HMS Prince of Wales was equipped with an impressive array of armament, including ten 14-inch guns, sixteen 5.25-inch guns, and numerous anti-aircraft guns. The ship's defense systems were also state-of-the-art, featuring advanced radar and sonar technology. However, despite its impressive armament and defense systems, the HMS Prince of Wales had a number of vulnerabilities that would ultimately contribute to its downfall.

The Sinking of the Bismarck

One of the most notable actions of the HMS Prince of Wales during World War II was its role in the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. In May 1941, the HMS Prince of Wales, along with the HMS Hood and several other British warships, engaged the Bismarck in the Denmark Strait. Although the HMS Hood was sunk during the battle, the HMS Prince of Wales managed to score several hits on the Bismarck, contributing to its eventual sinking.

Malaya and the Final Voyage

In the fall of 1941, the HMS Prince of Wales was sent to Singapore to bolster the British naval presence in the region. However, the ship's time in Malaya was short-lived. On December 10, 1941, the HMS Prince of Wales, along with the battlecruiser HMS Repulse, sailed from Singapore to intercept a Japanese invasion force heading towards Malaya. The two ships were attacked by Japanese bombers and torpedo planes, and the HMS Prince of Wales was sunk, resulting in the loss of over 300 lives.

Lasting Legacy

Despite its relatively short career, the HMS Prince of Wales played an important role in the early years of World War II. The ship's sinking marked a significant turning point in the war, as it highlighted the vulnerability of British warships to air attack. The HMS Prince of Wales also served as a symbol of British determination and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.

Facts and Figures

Here are some interesting facts and figures about the HMS Prince of Wales:

Length: 745 feet (227 meters)
Beam: 103 feet (31 meters)
Draft: 34 feet (10 meters)
Displacement: 43,000 tons
Speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)
Crew: 1,521 officers and men
Armament: 10 x 14-inch guns, 16 x 5.25-inch guns, numerous anti-aircraft guns
Defense systems: Advanced radar and sonar technology

Conclusion

The HMS Prince of Wales was an important warship that played a significant role in the early years of World War II. From its construction and launch to its final voyage and sinking, the HMS Prince of Wales left a lasting legacy in the annals of naval history. We hope that this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of this fascinating warship and its place in history.