The King George V-class battleships were the most modern British battleships in commission during World War II. (The HMS Vanguard being commissioned just after the war ended). Five ships of this class were built: HMS King George V (commissioned 1940), HMS Prince of Wales (1941), HMS Duke of York (1941), HMS Anson (1942) and HMS Howe (1942).
The battleships of the Royal Navy consisted of old battleships that had been kept after the end of World War I, plus the two new Nelson-class battleships. In 1928, the Royal Navy started considering the requirements for a new class.
Armour protection was the dominant design requirement, with the design incorporating experiences learned during World War I plus continued testing between the wars.
All five ships saw combat during World War II, with King George V and Prince of Wales being involved in the action on 24 May to 27 May 1941 that resulted in the German battleship Bismarck being sunk. Following this, Prince of Wales was sent to Singapore where she was attacked by Japanese bombers and sank. The anti-aircraft battery of these ships was incrementally augmented throughout the war.
Duke of York was instrumental in sinking the German battleship Scharnhorst on 26 December 1943. This battle was the last time that British and German capital ships fought each other.
Ships of Class:
King George V - Survived the war
Prince of Wales - Sunk in air attack, 1941
Duke of York - Survived the war
Anson - Survived the war
Howe - Survived the war
Insignia can be added to each deck decal to make it easier to identify ship nationality. Select from your choice of images.
National Roundel
Flag Roundel
FEC Roundel
SEAC Roundel
Hull camouflage patterns available are based on war period.
Early War
Late War
Optionally magnetize the turret to support a magnetized damage marker (included).
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Michael Burkhart - Thursday, August 21, 2025
