Throughout the 20th century, battleships played a crucial role in defining naval power and strategy. These massive, heavily-armed warships were the pride of many navies and saw action in some of the most significant conflicts of the era. From World War I to World War II, they left their mark in the history of warfare.
What makes these battleships legendary is not just their firepower, but also the pivotal battles they fought and the stories they carry. They were symbols of national pride and technological advancement, showcasing the marine engineering feats of their time. This article explores 11 of the most legendary battleships, highlighting their historical significance and the legacy they left behind.
1) USS Missouri
USS Missouri, also known as “Mighty Mo,” is one of the most legendary battleships of the 20th century. This iconic Iowa-class battleship served in three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War.
Launched in January 1944, the ship played a key role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It was on her deck that Japan officially surrendered on September 2, 1945.
The USS Missouri was armed with nine 16-inch guns and 20 five-inch guns. It also boasted a variety of anti-aircraft guns, making it a formidable force on the battlefield.
The ship was 270.4 meters long and 33 meters wide, with a displacement of 45,000 tons. It had a crew of about 2,700 sailors and officers, contributing to its powerful presence.
In the Korean War, Missouri provided crucial naval gunfire support for United Nations forces. Later, during the Gulf War, it launched Tomahawk missiles at Iraqi targets.
The ship earned numerous accolades, including three battle stars for World War II service and five for the Korean War. It was finally decommissioned in 1992, but its legacy continues to captivate naval enthusiasts. For detailed history and more facts, visit the USS Missouri Wikipedia page.
2) HMS Hood
HMS Hood, known as the “Mighty Hood,” was a famous battlecruiser of the British Royal Navy. She was commissioned in 1920 and was the pride and joy of the fleet. Her impressive silhouette and powerful weaponry symbolized British naval strength.
HMS Hood was the largest warship of her time, built to counter the German Navy’s growing power. She played a crucial role in patrolling and protecting the seas during her service years.
In May 1941, Hood faced the German battleship Bismarck during the Battle of Denmark Strait. During the fierce battle, Bismarck’s shells hit Hood, causing catastrophic explosions.
Tragically, HMS Hood sank rapidly, with only three of her 1,418 crew members surviving the ordeal. The loss of Hood was a significant blow to the Royal Navy and the British public.
Artifacts and models of Hood, along with her sister ships, are now on display in the H.M.S. Hood Association museum. These exhibits help keep her memory alive and honor the bravery of her crew.
3) Yamato
Yamato was one of the largest battleships ever built. She was commissioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1941. Yamato and her sister ship Musashi were known for their immense size and power.
Yamato displaced nearly 72,000 tonnes when fully loaded. She was equipped with nine 46 cm Type 94 main guns, the largest naval guns ever mounted on a warship.
The battleship Yamato saw limited action during World War II. Her most notable engagement was in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. She was tasked with defending the Philippines during this intense battle.
Yamato symbolizes Japan’s naval strength during her era. Her sheer presence was meant to deter enemy forces. Despite her impressive capabilities, Yamato had a relatively short service life.
Yamato’s design included state-of-the-art features. These made her a formidable foe on the seas. Her construction marked an important period in naval engineering.
For more detailed information about Yamato’s role and history, visit the article about the Japanese battleship Yamato.
Yamato remains a legendary symbol of naval power. She continues to capture the imagination of naval enthusiasts and historians alike. Her storied past serves as a powerful reminder of the might and ambitions of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
4) Bismarck
The Bismarck was a massive battleship built for Nazi Germany’s navy, the Kriegsmarine. She was one of the largest battleships ever constructed, with a length of 823 feet and a displacement of over 50,000 tons fully loaded.
Commissioned in August 1940, the Bismarck was designed to be a fearsome weapon on the seas. She had eight 15-inch guns mounted in four twin turrets and thick armor that made her a tough adversary in battle.
Bismarck’s service was short but dramatic. She sank the British battlecruiser HMS Hood in May 1941, a significant loss for the Royal Navy. This led to intense efforts by the British to hunt her down.
The chase culminated in one of the most famous naval engagements of the 20th century. The British fleet, with help from aircraft, managed to disable and sink the Bismarck. This marked the end of her brief yet impactful existence.
Built in Hamburg at the Blohm and Voss shipyard, the Bismarck’s construction began on 1 July 1936. Her hull was protected by 12-inch thick armor, along with many other reinforced sections to withstand heavy attacks.
Learn more about the Bismarck’s sinking, which showcased the might and vulnerability of even the most formidable battleships of the era.
5) USS Arizona
USS Arizona was a battleship built for the U.S. Navy in the mid-1910s. It was named to honor the 48th state. Completed in 1916, it was part of the Pennsylvania class.
During World War I, Arizona stayed mainly within the U.S. but played a significant role by escorting President Woodrow Wilson to the Paris Peace Conference.
In 1919, the ship was sent abroad to represent American power. It underwent several updates and repairs throughout its service, including a significant overhaul in 1917.
Tragically, USS Arizona is best known for its fate during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Bombs hit the ship, causing a massive explosion that sank it.
Today, the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives. The ship remains submerged, marking a poignant part of U.S. history.
Learn more about the USS Arizona’s history by visiting its Wikipedia page.
6) HMS Warspite
HMS Warspite was a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship launched in 1913. It served in both World War I and World War II. This ship earned the most battle honors of any Royal Navy ship, making it quite famous.
During World War I, HMS Warspite took part in the Battle of Jutland. This was one of the biggest naval battles. The ship continued to perform routine patrols and participated in training exercises in the North Sea.
In World War II, HMS Warspite played a major role in many operations. It was part of the D-Day invasion, providing crucial naval support. The ship also saw action in the Mediterranean, including battles at Crete and Salerno.
Despite being heavily damaged several times, HMS Warspite survived both wars. After World War II, towing attempts to break her apart resulted in the ship running aground. The ship was scrapped in 1950, but its legacy lives on.
Learn more about HMS Warspite from this Wikipedia article. For a video overview, check out this YouTube documentary.
7) USS Enterprise
The USS Enterprise has had several incarnations, but one of the most famous is the CV-6, a legendary aircraft carrier from World War II. Known as the “Big E,” this ship played a key role in many battles in the Pacific Theater.
Commissioned in 1938, the USS Enterprise quickly proved its worth in battle. It took part in twenty significant engagements during the war, earning it the nickname “the fightingest ship in the U.S. Navy.”
From Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal, the USS Enterprise was at the forefront. The vessel was heavily involved in major confrontations such as Midway and the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, demonstrating remarkable resilience and prowess.
The CVN-65 variant of the USS Enterprise, commissioned later in 1958, made history as the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This version, also known as the “Big E,” served for over 50 years, showcasing advancements in naval technology.
Both the CV-6 and CVN-65 versions of the USS Enterprise left a lasting legacy in naval history due to their innovative designs and their pivotal roles in significant naval battles. These ships have become icons of maritime strength and bravery.
8) Akagi
Akagi, named after Mount Akagi in Japan, started as an Amagi-class battlecruiser. Due to the Washington Naval Treaty, she was converted to an aircraft carrier while still under construction.
Launched in 1925, Akagi became one of the most famous ships in the Imperial Japanese Navy. She played a significant role in early World War II, especially in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
In 1935, Akagi underwent a major rebuild. Her flight deck was extended, and other upgrades made her more effective as an aircraft carrier. This made her a core part of Japan’s Kido Butai, the powerful carrier strike force.
Her participation in the attack on Darwin in Australia highlighted her strength. Along with Kaga, Soryu, and Hiryu, she inflicted great damage, sinking ships and destroying aircraft.
Akagi’s fate was sealed during the Battle of Midway in 1942. American dive bombers hit her flight deck, causing uncontrollable fires. The damage was so severe that the Japanese had to scuttle her to prevent capture.
Learn more about Akagi and her history on her Wikipedia page and other resources like this naval history site.
9) USS Iowa
The USS Iowa, also known as BB-61, is a key symbol of American naval power. Launched in 1942, she served in both World War II and the Korean War, earning 11 battle stars. This mighty ship was designed to be fast and powerful, capable of intercepting enemy vessels with ease.
The Iowa-class battleships, which include the USS Iowa, were the largest and fastest battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. These ships could reach speeds of up to 33 knots and were armed with nine 16-inch guns. They could engage enemies from a distance, making them formidable assets in any naval fleet.
One memorable moment for the USS Iowa was when she served in the Third Fleet under Admiral Halsey. During operations off the coast of the Philippines, her presence provided much-needed confidence to other ships in the fleet.
Today, the USS Iowa is a museum ship located in Los Angeles. Visitors can explore the decks and learn about her storied history at the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. This grand ship remains a proud symbol of American maritime heritage and technological achievement.
10) HMS Rodney
HMS Rodney was built in the mid-1920s for the Royal Navy as part of the Nelson-class battleships. She entered service in 1928. The ship had a unique design with all her main guns positioned forward of the superstructure, making her stand out among other battleships of her time.
During her service, HMS Rodney played a crucial role in World War II. One of her most notable achievements was taking part in the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck in 1941. This action significantly boosted Allied morale and disrupted German naval plans.
HMS Rodney also escorted vital convoys in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, ensuring supplies and reinforcements reached their destinations safely. This made her a key player in maintaining Allied supply lines during the war.
Throughout her career, HMS Rodney served in both the Atlantic and Home Fleets, sometimes acting as a flagship when her sister ship, HMS Nelson, was being refitted. She was instrumental in various naval operations and missions, underscoring her importance to the Royal Navy.
Learn more about HMS Rodney and her contributions to naval warfare here and here.
11) Scharnhorst
Scharnhorst was a battleship from Nazi Germany’s Kriegsmarine. She was known for her speed and power. The ship was launched on October 3, 1936, and commissioned in 1939.
Scharnhorst had nine 11-inch guns and a variety of smaller weapons. Her armor was thick, offering strong protection. Despite being lighter, she was faster than many British battleships. She was also equipped with radar, a new technology for that time.
During World War II, Scharnhorst played a key role in multiple operations. She supported missions against Norway and attacked Allied convoys in the North Atlantic. Her actions caused significant damage to Allied shipping.
On December 26, 1943, Scharnhorst met her end. She was sunk by the British battleship Duke of York. This battle marked a significant moment in naval warfare. The loss of Scharnhorst was a major blow to the Kriegsmarine.