Famous WWII Ships

world war 2 ships

Among the remarkable battles in World War II were fought on waters participated by famous WWII ships. In fact, the United States did not join the war until its fleet in Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese sinking the U.S.’s famous WWII ship, the USS Arizona. The other two famous WWII ships come from belligerent countries that spurred the war: Germany and Japan. The German’s Bismarck and the Japanese’s Yamato played aggressive roles during the war that sparked outrage among the allies.

The USS Arizona

uss arizona memorial

On December 7, 1941, the United States of America were shocked by the news that the Japanese Air Force had attacked Pearl Harbor sinking USS Arizona killing 1,177 lives. The shock quickly turned into outrage and President Delano Roosevelt proclaimed that America is officially in war. Sixty-five years after her sinking, USS Arizona still leaks oil until today, which happening has been turned into a Navy legend – it has been said that she will only stop leaking oil until the last of the USS Arizona veteran dies. And to remember the ship’s contribution to WWII even while she was floating idle in Pearl Harbor for repairs, a memorial was dedicated for her in 1962, which is visited by more than one million people a year.

The Bismarck

the nazzi bismarck

The German’s Bismarck was the largest battleship in her days. With Germany’s determination to conquer nations, the allied nations knew that sinking the Bismarck will cripple Germany’s Navy force so that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered the relentless pursuit of the Bismarck. The pursuit finally beleaguered the boat which went down into what was to become the Battle of the Denmark Strait. Bismarck took the biggest blow from Fleet Air Arm aircraft torpedo of the Royal Navy crippling her steering ability. Now crippled, the Bismarck together with her German WWII ships escort took heavy attack from the Royal Navy force, and she sank on May 27, 1941 with her flag held high on what was the greatest battle for her life.

The Japanese Yamato

yamato ship world war ii

The Japanese Yamato was among the world’s largest battleships ever built. She was commissioned in December 1941 participating in battles against the allied forces in the Philippines in 1944. Her last battle which awarded her one of the famous WWII ships honor was in April 1945 when Yamato participated in suicidal “Ten-Go” Operation against the massive U.S. forces 200 miles north of Okinawa. The fleet was fighting a losing battle, and Yamato sunk with dignity on April 7, 1945.

Related Posts: