Over 60 battleships, with 23 hailing from the United States, participated in combat missions during the Second World War.

These vessels stood as some of the most immense capital ships ever constructed, although the war witnessed limited battleship-to-battleship confrontations.

The Royal Navy’s HMS King George V, HMS Rodney stood as monuments of Britain’s maritime legacy, while the U.S. Navy’s battleships like the USS Texas, USS Alabama, USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, and USS Missouri brought new meaning to naval superiority.

Britain, once the master of the waves with its seemingly invincible Royal Navy, found its fleet of battleships playing a critical role in World War II despite the decline of its global supremacy.

The HMS King George V, for instance, was instrumental in the demise of the German battleship Bismarck, a vessel whose infamy still echoes in naval history.

“The 745-foot vessel was large and sophisticated for her era and served with distinction throughout the Second World War,” the historical recount notes.

The HMS Rodney, another British stalwart, was also pivotal in the destruction of the Bismarck.

Although designed under the limitations of the Washington Naval Treaty and thus smaller in size, the Rodney was nothing short of heroic in its wartime service.

Following the war’s conclusion, the Rodney had been extensively utilized and was subsequently placed in reserve status.

Ultimately, the 710-foot-long ship was sold for scrap.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the USS Texas (BB-35) distinguished itself as the only battleship with service records in both World Wars.

It not only provided vital escort and blockade duties but also took part in the Normandy landings, supporting the Allied invasion of Europe.

What’s more, this battleship’s longevity is remarkable, still standing as a museum ship, a testament to its storied past.

The USS Alabama (BB-60) and USS Iowa (BB-61), alongside the formidable USS New Jersey (BB-62) and USS Missouri (BB-63), are among the US Navy’s pride.

The Alabama’s journey from the East Coast across the Pacific to its role in capturing the Gilbert Islands and the USS Iowa’s role as a “fast battleship,” escorting aircraft carrier task forces and bombarding shore positions, highlights the multifaceted capabilities of these warships.

Relevant articles:
– Ranked: The Royal Navy’s 4 Best Battleships of World War II, The National Interest
– The 5 Best Battleships of World War II, nationalinterest.org
– The 10 Most Legendary Ships Of WW2 Ranked From Worst To Best, SlashGear
– RANKED: 5 Best Battleships of All Time, 19FortyFive