Comparison of Royal Navy's Strength in World War II vs. Modern Times

Introduction

When considering the strength of the Royal Navy in World War II, it is important to assess its capabilities at the beginning of the war and how it compared to other forces, notably the United States Navy (USN), by the end of the conflict. Comparisons can be made using various criteria such as the number and type of ships, aircraft carriers, warships, and other naval assets. Let's delve into the details to understand the true extent of the Royal Navy's power.

Strength at the Beginning of World War II

In 1939, when World War II began, the Royal Navy (RN) was arguably the most powerful navy in the world. However, the actual strength of the Royal Navy varied depending on how one values specific types of naval assets and crew quality. Here is a comparison at the start of the war:

Carriers/aircraft carried: Royal Navy (nRN) had four fleet carriers with a total of 192 aircraft, while the United States Navy (USN) had five fleet carriers with 466 aircraft. Battleships/guns: Royal Navy had 15 battleships and 10 battle cruisers equipped with 101-15" guns, compared to the USN's 15 battleships with 12x12", 136x14", and 24x16" guns. Cruisers/guns: Royal Navy had 16 heavy cruisers and 43 light cruisers with 108" guns and 21x7.5" and 319x6" guns, while the USN had 18 heavy cruisers and 18 light cruisers with 164x8" and 246" guns. Destroyers: Royal Navy had 184 destroyers, while the USN had 112. Escort/Patrol: Royal Navy had 45 escorts/patrol, while none are listed for the USN. Submarines: Royal Navy had 60 submarines, and the USN had 58.

It is also worth noting that the Royal Navy’s command quality and crew were highly skilled, which contributed significantly to its effectiveness.

Changes by the End of World War II

By the end of the war, the Royal Navy had transformed, but it was less powerful overall compared to the US Navy. Despite its evolving capabilities, the Royal Navy maintained its strength and played a crucial role throughout the conflict.

Carrier Attacks and Innovations

A significant moment for the Royal Navy was the carrier attack on the Italian Naval base in Taranto. This action showed the Japanese the methodology used at Pearl Harbor and highlighted the importance of anti-submarine detection equipment, ASDIC, which revolutionized naval defense during World War II. Interestingly, the Royal Navy had discovered the effectiveness of ASDIC during World War I but had renamed it SONAR when the Americans adopted it.

Strengths in Different Regions

The Royal Navy ruled the Atlantic and the Mediterranean throughout the war. However, due to its spread of forces, its defenses in the Pacific were insufficient. Consequently, these areas shifted to the Americans, who managed to defeat the Japanese with great success.

Conclusion

While the Royal Navy was incredibly powerful in World War II, particularly at the start of the conflict, its strength diminished by the end of the war when compared to the United States Navy. Nevertheless, the Royal Navy played a vital role in ensuring victory for the Allies, showcasing admirable resilience and adaptability in an evolving naval landscape.