King George V Battleship History

Introduction to the King George V Class

The King George V class was a group of five battleships built for the Royal Navy in the late 1930s. These ships were designed to comply with the Washington Naval Treaty and the London Naval Treaty, which imposed restrictions on the size and armament of battleships. The lead ship of the class, King George V, played a significant role in World War II, serving as the flagship of the British Home Fleet. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the King George V battleship, its design, construction, and service during World War II.

Design and Construction

The King George V class was designed to counter the new generation of German and Italian battleships, while adhering to the treaty limitations. The ships had a standard displacement of 40,450 tons and were powered by eight Admiralty 3-drum boilers, which produced 110,000 horsepower. The main armament consisted of ten 14-inch guns mounted in two quadruple and one twin turret. The ships also had a robust anti-aircraft defense system, featuring multiple 2-pounder pom-pom guns and 20mm Oerlikon cannons. The construction of the King George V began in 1937 at the Newcastle upon Tyne shipyard, and the ship was launched on February 21, 1939.

World War II Service

The King George V commissioned on October 1, 1940, and shortly after, it began its service with the British Home Fleet. The ship’s first major operation was the Bismarck Chase, where it played a key role in the pursuit and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. On May 27, 1941, the King George V, along with the battleship Rodney, engaged the Bismarck in a fierce battle, ultimately leading to the German ship’s demise. The King George V also participated in the North African Campaign, providing naval gunfire support during the Operation Torch landings in November 1942.

Notable Engagements

Some notable engagements of the King George V include: * The Bismarck Chase (May 1941): The King George V played a crucial role in the pursuit and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. * The North African Campaign (1942): The King George V provided naval gunfire support during the Operation Torch landings. * The Sicilian Campaign (1943): The King George V supported the Allied invasion of Sicily, providing gunfire support and escorting convoys. * The Normandy Landings (June 1944): The King George V provided naval gunfire support during the D-Day landings in Normandy.

🚢 Note: The King George V's service during World War II was marked by several notable engagements, showcasing the ship's versatility and combat effectiveness.

Post-War Service and Decommissioning

After the war, the King George V underwent a significant refit, which included the installation of new radar systems and anti-submarine warfare equipment. The ship continued to serve with the Royal Navy, participating in various exercises and deployments. However, with the advent of newer and more advanced battleships, the King George V’s role began to diminish. The ship was eventually decommissioned in 1950 and scrapped in 1957.

Specifications

The King George V had the following specifications:

Category	Specification
Displacement	40,450 tons (standard)
Length	745 feet 1 inch (227.1 meters)
Beam	103 feet 2 inches (31.4 meters)
Draft	29 feet 6 inches (9 meters)
Powerplant	Eight Admiralty 3-drum boilers, 110,000 horsepower
Speed	28.5 knots (52.8 km/h)
Range	3,700 nautical miles (6,900 km) at 18 knots (33 km/h)
Armament	Ten 14-inch guns, multiple 2-pounder pom-pom guns, and 20mm Oerlikon cannons

In summary, the King George V was a significant battleship in the Royal Navy during World War II, playing a crucial role in several notable engagements. Its design and construction were influenced by the treaty limitations, but the ship proved to be an effective and versatile warship. The King George V’s service during World War II and its subsequent decommissioning and scrapping mark the end of an era in battleship history.