In memory of the young men of Prince of Wales and Repulse

[reddragon]

December 10, 1941, another sad day in World War II history. Japanese planes sank H.M.S. Prince of Wales, with a loss of 327 men. The first torpedo struck the screws and steering gear, bringing her to a halt. H.M.S. Repulse, who had skillfully avoided at least 19 torpedos, approached to assist and was then hit by at least five torpedos, sinking in about six minutes, with the loss of 513 men. Like so many others, these men gave their lives so we could live in freedom.

 

[Gnomey]

A tragic day, a poor decision to send them without air cover. May they rest peace and never be forgotten.

 

[lesofprimus]

Amen...

 

[reddragon]

Here's a photo of each:

Prince of Wales from site http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/uk/uksh-p/pow12.htm :

Repulse from site http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/uk/uksh-r/repulse.htm :

 

[Nonskimmer]

 

[FLYBOYJ]

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

 

[Vassili Zaitzev]

Yes, it was a very sad day for the Royal Navy, A fine battleship and battlecrusier and a lot of able sailors died needlessy because the battle group commander Phillps didn't bother for air cover or to throw up a smoke screen.