Introduction to King George V Class Battleships
The King George V class battleships were a group of five British dreadnought battleships built during the early 1940s. These ships played a significant role in the Royal Navy during World War II and were among the most advanced warships of their time. In this article, we will explore five fascinating facts about the King George V class battleships.
Fact #1: Design and Construction
The King George V class battleships were designed to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy’s 1936 building program. The ships were constructed at various British shipyards, including the Vickers-Armstrongs and Cammell Laird yards. The design was based on the previous Nelson-class battleships but with several improvements, including a more efficient propulsion system and enhanced armor protection.
| Ship | Builder | Laid Down | Launched | Commissioned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King George V | Vickers-Armstrongs | 1 January 1937 | 21 February 1939 | 11 December 1940 |
| Prince of Wales | Cammell Laird | 1 January 1937 | 3 May 1939 | 19 January 1941 |
| Duke of York | John Brown & Company | 5 May 1937 | 28 February 1940 | 4 November 1941 |
| Howe | Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company | 1 April 1937 | 9 April 1940 | 29 August 1942 |
| Anson | Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson | 20 July 1937 | 24 February 1940 | 22 June 1942 |
Fact #2: Armament and Firepower
The King George V class battleships were equipped with an impressive array of armaments, including:
- 10 x 14-inch (356mm) guns in two quadruple turrets and one twin turret
- 16 x 5.25-inch (133mm) dual-purpose guns in eight twin turrets
- 48 x 40mm (1.6-inch) anti-aircraft guns in six octuple and eight quadruple mounts
- 16 x 20mm (0.79-inch) anti-aircraft guns in four quadruple and two single mounts
These ships were also fitted with four Supermarine Walrus seaplanes for reconnaissance and communication.
Fact #3: Armor Protection
The King George V class battleships had a unique armor layout, designed to provide maximum protection against both shellfire and torpedo attacks. The armor belt was 14 inches (356mm) thick, and the main deck was covered with 5 inches (127mm) of armor plating. The turrets and conning tower were also heavily armored, with 12 inches (305mm) of plating.
💡 Note: The armor protection on the King George V class battleships was designed to withstand the impact of 14-inch shells at a range of 12,000 yards (11,000 meters).
Fact #4: Propulsion and Performance
The King George V class battleships were powered by four sets of Parsons geared turbines, driven by eight Admiralty three-drum boilers. These produced a total of 110,000 shaft horsepower, allowing the ships to reach speeds of up to 28 knots (52 km/h).
- Top speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)
- Range: 5,500 nautical miles (10,200 km) at 18 knots (33 km/h)
- Complement: 1,323 officers and men
Fact #5: Wartime Service
The King George V class battleships played a significant role in the Royal Navy during World War II. They served in various theaters, including the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indian Oceans. Some notable events in their wartime service include:
- The sinking of the German battleship Bismarck by King George V and Rodney in May 1941
- The Battle of the Denmark Strait, where Prince of Wales and Hood engaged the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in May 1941
- The Indian Ocean Raids, where the Japanese Navy launched a series of attacks on Allied shipping and bases, and the King George V class battleships provided escort duties
In summary, the King George V class battleships were a group of powerful and advanced warships that played a significant role in the Royal Navy during World War II. Their design, armament, armor protection, propulsion, and wartime service make them an important part of naval history.
What was the main purpose of the King George V class battleships?
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The main purpose of the King George V class battleships was to serve as the Royal Navy’s primary capital ships during World War II, providing firepower and protection for Allied convoys and fleets.
How many King George V class battleships were built?
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Five King George V class battleships were built: King George V, Prince of Wales, Duke of York, Howe, and Anson.
What was the most notable engagement of the King George V class battleships during World War II?
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The most notable engagement of the King George V class battleships during World War II was the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck by King George V and Rodney in May 1941.
