Technology
Submarines and the Sinking of WWII Ships: A Historical Analysis
Submarines and the Sinking of WWII Ships: A Historical Analysis
During World War II, the shadowy and silent realm of the submarine played a crucial role in naval warfare. Though often overshadowed by battleship and aircraft carrier engagements, submarines were instrumental in sinking numerous warships, including some of the most powerful of their era.
Submarine Successes in World War II
One of the most significant instances where submarines achieved remarkable success was during the Second World War. In this era, several submarines managed to sink notable capital ships, disrupting naval strategies and shifting the balance of power on the high seas. A notable example is the story of How the USS Archerfish, a Gato-class submarine, dispatched the largest aircraft carrier ever built up to that time, the IJN Shinano. This event is a testament to the strategic and tactical prowess of submarines during WWII.
Shifting our focus to battleships, another notable instance is the sinking of HMS Royal Oak. This British Revenge-class battleship, commissioned just before World War I and serving with honor in the Battle of Jutland, was struck by a German U-boat, U-47. The historical account details how the submarine’s six torpedoes—two of which hit the bow and three others striking the hull—resulted in the Royal Oak capsizing and swiftly sinking. This event not only highlights the technological advancements in submarine weaponry but also underlines the vulnerability of even the most powerful battleships to modern torpedoes.
The Sinking of HMS Barham
The sinking of HMS Barham, a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship, is another crucial example of submarine warfare during the Second World War. Barham, previously engaged in significant naval battles like the Battles of Dakar and Cape Matapan, was caught in action. As she sailed alongside her sistership Queen Elizabeth and eight destroyers, she narrowly escaped detection by the German submarine U-331. However, the massive torpedo hits from U-331 within range of British forces resulted in the ship exploding and sinking in minutes. This tragic event, immortalized in historical footage, underscores the immense power of submarine torpedoes and the critical role they played in sinking even the most formidable warships.
The Fates of Other Capital Ships
While the sinking of the Royal Oak and HMS Barham are significant, we must also consider the sinking of the Japanese battlecruiser Kongo. This powerful ship, one of the most heavily armed in her time, was engaged in various missions, from bombing to escorting aircraft carriers, until she met her doom in 1944. The submarine USS Sealion targeted Kongo, firing her torpedoes which struck her. While one torpedo sank the destroyer Urukaze, the blast from the magazines of Kongo resulted in catastrophic explosions and her sinking. This incident demonstrates the devastating effect of torpedoes on even the most formidable ships.
Conclusion
The sinking of Royal Oak, Barham, and Kongo by submarines during World War II serves as a vivid reminder of the destructive power of these vessels. As the world reflects on the history of the Second World War, the role of submarines in sinking capital ships is a significant chapter that warrants detailed scrutiny. The events of the war demonstrate that even the mightiest warships can fall to the unseen threat below the waves.