The Notable Sinker: Battleships by Submarines During World War II

Throughout the tumultuous period of World War II, submarines (or ldquo;submersible boatsrdquo;) had a significant impact on naval combat, proving particularly adept at sinking large and heavily armed battleships. This article delves into three notable events of battleships that were sunk by submarines during this pivotal conflict.

1. Royal Oak and Barham by German U-boats

One of the most famous incidents involving the sinking of a battleship by a submarine occurred on October 14, 1939. The Royal Oak, an armored battleship of the Royal Navy, was anchored at Scapa Flow in Scotland. Despite the location's presumed safety, it was not impervious to enemy attacks. German U-boats capitalized on the Royal Oakrsquo;s position, conducting a daring night-time attack that resulted in the ship being torpedoed and ultimately sunk.

Simultaneously, and less than two months later on December 21, 1939, another major British battleship, the Barham, was under way in the Mediterranean Sea when it was struck by torpedoes fired by a German U-boat. The Barham, despite its demise, had fought bravely, engaging in multiple anti-submarine operations and continuing to support British naval missions in the Med.

2. Japanese Battleship Kongo by a U.S. Submarine

During the later stages of the war, in October 1944, the Japanese battleship Kongo found itself returning to base from the Battle of Leyte Gulf. This maritime event significantly disrupted the Japanese fleet, marked by fierce fighting and large-scale engagements. Escorting the Kongo was a U.S. submarine, which launched a successful torpedo attack, sending the mighty ship to the bottom of the sea.

Conclusion

These three incidents illustrate the significant role that submarines played in the sinking of battleships during World War II. The decades-long technological advancements in submarine warfare made such vessels increasingly effective and versatile in their operations. Their ability to operate silently and from a distance made them formidable opponents, capable of devastating large naval vessels like battleships.

The historical significance of these sinkings underscores the changing nature of naval warfare and the ongoing evolution of submarine technology. As the world continues to seek new ways to counter submarine threats, these events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced even under seemingly secure conditions.