Yes, both the United Kingdom and the United States used their older battleships during World War II, though the role of these ships was generally more limited as the war progressed and airpower became increasingly dominant. Here's a breakdown of how older battleships were employed by both nations:
United Kingdom:
The Royal Navy (RN) used several older battleships during World War II, particularly at the start of the war, and they were often deployed in secondary roles or as part of escort forces.
HMS Warspite:
Commissioned: 1915 (Royal Sovereign-class battleship)
Role: Despite being an older battleship, the HMS Warspite was one of the most active and successful RN ships during the war. It participated in major battles such as the Battle of the Mediterranean, the Battle of Cape Matapan, and the Normandy Invasion. It was considered one of the most effective battleships due to its formidable gunfire support and anti-aircraft capabilities, even though it was originally commissioned during World War I.
HMS Resolution:
Commissioned: 1916 (Revenge-class battleship)
Role: Used for convoy escort duties and in the Mediterranean theater, although it was not as heavily involved in direct combat. It also supported the North Africa Campaign.
HMS Royal Sovereign:
Commissioned: 1916 (Royal Sovereign-class battleship)
Role: This battleship was used in a variety of secondary roles, including training and supporting convoy protection duties, but was less active in direct combat.
HMS Hood (until its sinking in 1941):
Commissioned: 1920 (Admiral-class battlecruiser)
Role: The HMS Hood was one of the most iconic and powerful ships in the Royal Navy at the time, though it was a battlecruiser, not a battleship. It was used in several high-profile missions, such as the Battle of the Denmark Strait, where it was famously sunk by the Bismarck in May 1941.
United States:
The United States Navy (USN) also made use of older battleships, particularly in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. The US Navy relied heavily on newer battleships, such as the Iowa-class, but the older ships played important roles in several key battles.
USS Pennsylvania:
Commissioned: 1916 (Pennsylvania-class battleship)
Role: The USS Pennsylvania was the flagship of the Pacific Fleet at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941. It was badly damaged during the attack but was later repaired and participated in several key operations, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
USS Nevada:
Commissioned: 1916 (Nevada-class battleship)
Role: The USS Nevada was the only battleship to get underway during the Pearl Harbor attack, and it suffered severe damage. However, it was repaired and played a significant role in several later operations, including the D-Day landings in Normandy.
USS New York:
Commissioned: 1914 (New York-class battleship)
Role: The USS New York participated in several operations, including the North African Campaign and the invasion of Italy, providing fire support for ground troops and serving in a secondary role compared to newer vessels.