Rich: "What new battleship classes replaced the Iowa Class battleships as they were taken out of service?" The battleship that never was, which is my favorite, even though it never existed - the Montana class, one third larger than Iowa, and with twelve 16-inch/50 caliber guns. Would have been a magnificent gun ship. But along came Pearl and Midway. For aesthetics and power, the battlewagon. The five battleships of the Montana class, authorized under the 1940 "Two Ocean Navy" building program and funded in Fiscal Year 1941, were the last of their kind ordered by the U.S. Navy. With an intended standard displacement of 60,500 tons, they were nearly a third larger than the preceding Iowa class, four of which were the final battleships actually completed by the United States. The Montanas were intended to carry twelve 16"/50 guns, three more than the earlier class. Protection against underwater weapons and shellfire was also greatly enhanced. They would have been the only new World War II era U.S. battleships to be adequately armored against guns of the same power as their own. To achieve these advances, the Montana class was designed for a slower maximum speed than the very fast Iowas and had a beam too wide to pass through the existing Panama Canal locks. Completion of the Montana class would have given the late 1940s U.S. Navy a total of seventeen new battleships, a considerable advantage over any other nation, or probable combination of nations. The Montanas also would have been the only American ships to come close to equalling the massive Japanese Yamato. However, World War II's urgent requirements for more aircraft carriers, amphibious and anti-submarine vessels resulted in suspension of the Montanas in May 1942, before any of their keels had been laid. In July 1943, when it was clear that the battleship was no longer the dominant element of sea power, their construction was cancelled. The Montana class would have consisted of five ships, to be constructed at three Navy Yards: · Montana (BB-67), to be built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania; · Ohio (BB-68), to be built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; · Maine (BB-69), to be built at the New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York; · New Hampshire (BB-70), to be built at the New York Navy Yard; and · Louisiana (BB-71), to be built at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia. Montana class design characteristics: · Displacement: 60,500 tons (standard); 70,965 tons (full load) · Dimensions: 921' 3" (length overall); 121' 2" (maximum beam) · Powerplant: 172,000 horsepower steam turbines, producing a 28 knot maximum speed · Armament (Main Battery): Twelve 16"/50 guns in four triple turrets · Armament (Secondary Battery): Twenty 5"/54 guns in ten twin mountings (ten guns on each side of the ship) These barrels, which have a length of 68’ and weigh 106 tons, are powerful symbols of the strength and engineering magnificence of the battleships. JT
I was torn, as in general terms I like aircraft carriers the most, probably because I'm interested in both ships & aircraft. However, I voted for battleships because my favourite is HMS Warspite. She fought at Jutland & then had one of the most distinguished records of any ship in WW2. She ought to have been preserved but was sent to the scrap yard. She refused to go quietly, ran aground & had to be scrapped where she lay. Got to agree there, she was outstanding. More rounds fired at the enemy than any other battleship I believe, plus that record 26,400 yard hit off Calabria. Best of breed. Rodney's close behind, but only for her single big action. Desperately in need of a refit, with burnt-out boilers, an inexperienced crew, cluttered with cargo and crowded with sick, she it was that shot the lights out on Bismarck. Regards, MikB
HMS Warspite 1915 http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/tserver.php?f=%5B%281631%29-24-11-2005%5Dwarspite.jpg&w=177&tran=1&hc=77 HMS Warspite One of Royal Navy's most famous ships of the Twentieth Century, HMS Warspite served with distinction in both world wars. The Queen Elizabeth class super dreadnoughts marked the climax of the naval race between Britain and Germany since the launch of HMS Dreadnought in 1905. Mounting eight 15 inch/381mm guns, the Queen Elizabeths were the first oil-fired British battleships capable of a speed of 23 knots. They possessed an almost perfect combination of gun power, armour protection and speed. At the Battle of Jutland in 1916, Warspite was hit 13 times after her steering gear jammed and she circled in front of the German fleet. Thanks to her excellent construction damage was not severe. Extensively modernised between 1934 - 1937, Warspite saw extensive action throughout the Second World War. In the Second Battle of Narvik on 13 April 1940 her reconnaissance aircraft bombed and sank submarine U-64 before the battleship and nine escorting destroyers swiftly overwhelmed eight German destroyers. Warspite will be best remembered for her service with the Mediterranean Fleet as flagship of Admiral Andrew Cunningham . At the Battle of Calabria on 9 July 1940 she hit the Italian flagship, Guilio Cesare, at the amazing range of 21 kilometres. Accompanied by sister ships Barham and Valiant at the Battle of Cape Matapan on 28 March 1941, they sank two Italian heavy cruisers in a notable night time engagement. In 1942 Warspite was re-deployed to join the Eastern Fleet to counter the Japanese threat but did not see action. She returned to the Mediterranean to be present at the surrender of the Italian Fleet at Malta on 10 September 1943. Warspite was severely damaged by a German radio-controlled bomb off Salerno while covering the landings in Italy on 16 September 1943. Nevertheless she was repaired and played a valuable role in the bombardments supporting the landings in Normandy and against Brest, Le Havre and Walcheren Island in 1944. HMS Warspite Statistics (After Modernisation) Period in service: 1915 - 1944 Displacement: 32,450 tons Length: 196.8m / 645.8ft Beam: 31.7m / 104ft Complement: 1190 Speed: 23 kts Armament: 8 x 15 inch Guns 8 x 6 inch Guns 8x 4 inch anti aircraft Guns Armour: 6 - 13 inch belt, 3 - 5 inch deck 4 -10 inch barbettes, 13 inch turrets Aircraft: Four Sister Ships: Queen Elizabeth, Barham, Malaya, Valiant Notes: The armour belt was the protection along the sides of a ship's hull. The barbette was an armoured cylinder below the turret which protected the ammunition hoists and the turret's turning mechanism. Warspite's aircraft were launched from a catapult amidships and recovered using cranes.
HMS battleship Rodney http://warship.all-model.com/HMS%20Rodney.html HMS Rodney and her sister Nelson were the only battleships laid down for the Royal Navy between the signing of the Washington Treaty in 1922 and the rearmament programme which started in 1937. As such they were the most modern capital ships in commission at the outbreak of World War If, for the new King George V did not complete until August 1940. Rodney and Nelson must surely be the oddest pair of battleships ever laid down, for they were the only class specifical'y built as a reduced edition of an earlier design, simply to meet a treaty requirement. No factors of cost, docking, or even a rival ship could legitimately claim to have had any major influence on their design. and they were from first to last a compromise. The story of the 'Cherry Tree' class, so termed because they were 'cut down by Washington' began in 1921. Great Britain realised somewhat slowly that her position as the premier naval power had been seriously challenged by her erstwhile allies, the United States and Japan, neither of whom had been deflected from their purpose by such commitments as a ruinously expensive land campaign. In short, the Royal Navy found that its battle fleet would shortly be reduced to second-class status by the completion of American and Japanese capital ships armed with 16-inch guns, and di~placing up to .47,000 tons (the largest British ship in service displaced about 30,000 tons and had only 15-inch ~ns). In order to keep level with its two rivals, and to profit by recent wartime experience, the Royal Navy ordered four capital ships armed with 16-inch guns and displacing 48,000 tons. These were known as the 'G.3' design, and were to be built under the 1921-22 Programme. The background to the Washington Disarmament Conference and the subsequent treaty is too involved to be dealt with here, but it will suffice to say that the leading naval powers agreed to limit guh-calibre to 16 inches and, displacement to 35,000 tons for battleships. After a series of arguments, counter-arguments and compromises, the British' answer to American and Japanese new construction was agreed upon as the 'O.3' design, and two keels were laid at the end of December 1922. By remarkable expedients the 48,000 tons of the 'G.3' design had been reduced to less than 34,000 tons, without sacrificing either armament or thickness of armour. The main reductions had been achieved by halving the boiler-power, which reduced the length of hull. By a bold concentration of the main armament forward in a group of three turrets the length of hull and armour belt was further reduced, and other internal economies of weight combined to bring the displacement comfortably within the T-reaty limits. The chief disadvantage was a tactical one, for the new battleships were slow, inclined to handle awkwardly, and had difficult arcs of fire for one-third of their main armament. This last point was lightly dismissed by naval spokesmen, who glibly claimed that 'a British battleship of such strength ought never to present her stern to an enemy'. Still, when all is considered, Sir Eustace Tennyson d'Eyncourt and his Staff produced two of the toughest battleships to serve in World War II; the chief complaint about them was that they ruined the reputation of British battleships for good looks, and always presented an ungainly profile. Nelson was always considered a lucky ship, whereas Rodney never enjoyed the reputation of being successful. Yet, after years of being 'Rodney last' and enduring jibes from Other ships of the Home Fleet, she was the one privileged to be in at the sinking of the Bismarck. She hit the German battleship with her third salvo, which landed on the forecastle and put 'A' turret out of action. She also claimed a hit with her port 24.5-inch torpedo, the only time one battleship ever torpedoed another . The drawing shows H.M.S. Rodney as completed in 1928. Note the massive 175 cwt. Byers anchors, one bower and one sheet anchor to starboard, but only . a single bower anchor to port. The Rodney and Nelson were unique among British battleships in having their submerged torpedo-tubes angled on either bow, and of course the 24.5-inch torpedo was not issued for service in any other ships. The loading hatch for the torpedoes can be seen immediately abaft the breakwater, with the loading gantry further aft. The triple 16-inch turrets were the only ones of their kind ever installed in a British ship, and were numbered 'A', 'B' and 'X', contrary to previous practice. The 16-inch Mark I pattern gun fired a 2,461 Ib. shell 35,000 yards at 40ш elevation, with a muzzle velocity of 2,953 feet per second. The rate of fire was one round per gun per minute. The most interesting feature of all is the row of plates above the waterline. These are vent plates to buoyancy spaces. In wa~ime these internal spaces could be flooded with 2,600 tons of water to form additional protection against torpedoes. In the event of a hit in the buoyancy space, the adjacent vent plates were designed to brow out and release the pressure. The sinkage was calculated at 1 foot 9 inches and the loss of speed about a third of a knot. Rodney was subsequently fitted with an aircraft catapult on 'X' turret, but at the time of her completion she had only four Carley rafts stowed on the roof. She and her sister were the only vessels fitted with the 4.7-inch anti-aircraft gun, and these weapons were fitted with enclosed shields during World War II. Additional light A.A. weapons were fitted in large numbers from 1940 onwards. The 6-inch guns aft were grouped in similar manner to the main armament forward, again with the intention of reducing the length of hull to be covered by armour. Despite the clumsy appearance of the sho~ funnel placed so far aft, this logical grouping of guns and after control positions lent Rodney and Nelson a measure of balance which made the silhouette look quite purposeful. From 1928 to 1938 Rodney served with the Atlantic Fleet, (renamed the Home Fleet in 1932). In 1938 she had a major refit, which included the addition of armour at the lower end of the belt- A fear which had always troubled the D.N.C's department was that a diving shell would penetrate beneath the shallow belt, and the opportunity was taken to remedy this deficiency. In July 1938 she returned to the Home Fleet, and saw action in the Norwegian campaign, during which she was hit by a large bomb. After the Bismarck action in May 1941 she sailed to Boston for a major refit, and then escorted the 'Halberd' convoy to Malta. From 1942 Rodney played an important part in shore-bombardment, and saw action during the 'Torch', 'Husky' and 'Avalanche' landings. Then came Normandy, when she was the most modern of the seven battleships allocated to provide continuous fire-support for the troops ashore. By now the Rodney was showing signs of strain, for she had not had a major refit since 1941, but she was detailed to escort two large Russian convoys; by the time her much-delayed refit was finally put in hand she had steamed 156,000 miles without overhaul, and the War was over. She went into reserve until sold in February 1948. Particulars Laid down 28 December 1922 Launched 17 December 1925 Completed August 1927 Builder Cammell Laird, Birkenhead (hull and machinery) Displacement 33,900 tons (standard), 42,744 tons (deep load, with buoyancy tanks filled), 38,000 tons (normal load) Dimensions 710' (oa) x 106' x 30' Guns 9 x 16-inch Mk I 45 cal. (3x3) 12 x B-in. Mk XII 50 cal. (6x2) 6 x 4.7-in. H.A. Mk VIII 40 cal. (6x1) 8 x 2-pdr. A.A. (8x1) later replaced by 2x8-barrelled mountings . 4 x 3-pdr. (4x1) saluting guns Torpedo-tubes 2 submerged 24.5-inch (2x1 ) Armour 14" belt, 14" bulkheads, 16" barbettes, 16" turret faces (9" backs), 6.25"-3" decks Machinery 2-shaft Brown-Curtis geared turbines, 46,000 s,h.p. . 23 knots; 8 Admirelty 3-drum boIlers with superheaters.
Fast , agile , sleek workhorses of the fleet . They had considerable fire power with their generally 5" guns and torpedoe tubes .They were troop carriers , escourt, gun fire support for landings .
I chose Destroyers, specifically HMS Onslow. She was on the Russian Run in WW2 and was awarded the VC after fighting of Hipper and Lutzow during Operation Deadlight and...........my father served on her
I voted for the destroyer. They are all my favourites, British, American, German, Japanese, French, Italian, on and on. The battleships and aircraft carriers couldn't survive without them. All best don
Australia did not have many destroyers however they performed well. One of my favourites: HMAS Arunta http://www.diggerhistory3.info/ran/page/03-destroyers.htm Arunta undergoing sea trials, 1942. The 36-knot speed of Tribal Class destroyers led to them being dubbed 'Greyhounds'. Essentially the same as the sixteen vessels of this class built for the RN (another eight were built in Canada), the Australian Tribals differed only in that they had a smaller second funnel and six 4.7-inch (12 cm) guns in their main armament instead of eight; one of the pairs on the British vessels was replaced in the RAN ships by twin 4-inch guns in a rear mounting. Dubbed the 'greyhounds' of the navy on account of their 36 knot speed, the Tribals earned high praise for their fighting efficiency and ability to withstand arduous conditions.
Battleships, It's impressive the power of their main guns!!! One of most impressives for me is the HMS Agincourt (ex Rio de Janeiro), with their 14 12" guns.
My favorite are the Destroyers and destroyer escorts. The greyhounds of the seas, the tin cans I am particualry fond of the Fletcher class. These are some pics of my favorite ship.
I voted for the Aircraft carrier as it brought a new dimension to sea warfare. I have no particular favourites, however the USS Hornet really played a large part in relieving Malta after twice sailing with Spitfires to reinforce the islands defence. Even Winston Churchill stated; 'Who said a Wasp cannot sting twice'. It was a pity she was sunk not long after by the Japanese. Regards Tom
for me battleship HMS Hood as my great uncle survived the sinking of her. You have the boom defence vessels missing, my grandfather served on HMS Barmill and Kerriemoore. James James he must have know one of my best mates grandad in London then. He was one of the survivors too or so he said. Small world. My favourite ship I guess would have to be HMS Belfast http://cache.wists.com/thumbnails/7/7c/77cea672f067fcbb9b681d10870fb8de-orig
Although I voted for the Aircraft Carrier, I also have a soft spot for the Larger Battleships like USS North Carolina and USS New Jersey, both of which are Museum ships now and both of which I have visited. Very impressive with tremendous fire power. Regards Tom
To be honest, i like the Yamato pretty much. its a nice ship, it sank because the japan navy didn't have a good plan and the ship itself lack of anti-aircraft weapon. i chose battle ship.
I have to say i like the anti aircraft cruiser Hms Dido .had story's told to me when i was a child by my uncle who served on her
I put my vote on the Battleship - Scharnhorst and George V class. Scharnhorst because she was deemed to be a happy she and a lucky ship , that was until she met Admiral Fraser on boxing day 1943. Sent on a mission which was highly questionable and doubtful , the Royal Navy sprung a trap which had I think been in waiting for a while. Unitl then she had led something of acharmed existance , her long legs getting her out of trouble on more than one occasion. A ship of beautiful lines , elegant and pleasing to the eye but a ship which did not have good seakeeping qualities. Undergunned for what she was asked to do design wise she was always at soemthing of a disadvantage. George V class because of the excellent service they gave - well armoured , well built , heavily armed . Prince of Wales sunk in December 1941 was the only ship of this class lost. Fraser flying his flag in Duke of York engaged and sank Scharnhorst supported by Burrent's cruisers which held her at bay until Fraser's arrival.
Goes with out saying the grand old Lady HMS Warpsite....... YouTube - battleship warspite 15 battle honours and the longest direct hit at 26,500 yards Battle Honours (First World War) Jutland 1916; (Second World War) Atlantic 1939; Narvik 1940,Norway 1940; Calabria 1940, Mediterranean 1940-41-43,; Malta Convoys 1941, Matapan 1941, Crete 1941: Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943: English Channel 1944, Normandy 1944, Walcheren 1944, Biscay 1944. Warspite carries the most battle honours for any individual ship in the Royal Navy, and the most awarded for actions in the Second World War. So stick that lot in your small guns and smoke it:closed::thankyousign::p
In the attached video (261) INVASION OF SAIPAN: SCENES ABOARD USS ROCKY MOUNT (COMMAND SHIP) - YouTube there is a destroyer escort passing the USSRockyMount with the hull number 81. (VIDEO TIME 8:40) If that was filmed at the invasion of Siapan as the archives indicated, what was the name of the D.E.? My research indicates that there was a USSTatum number 81 but that could not have been at Siapan at that time. Any ideas about D.E.81?
