Top Five Warships in History
This historian in me needs an outlet so I get to shower information about warships you have either never heard of, or don't giving a flying eff about.
5. H.M.S. Indefatigable, British 44-gun frigate
The Indefatigable Is a ship that deserves its place in my heart, as much for its factual achievements, but as a ship for Midshipman Hornblower. Among her achievements is the sinking a the Droits de L'Homme a French ship of the line meaning the Indefatigable was only outgunned two to one. Also a really cool name.
4. Mikasa, Japanese pre-dreadnought
Mikasa, the ship no the china store, was the flagship of the Japanese fleet at the Battle of Tsushima. There the Mikasa was commanded by Admiral Togo, who began the Japanese tradition of bitch slapping Europeans as well as other Asians. The Mikasa is still around at Yokosuka dockyard.
3. H.M.S. Temeraire, British 98-gun second-rate ship of the line
The British inherited the name, Temeraire with the capture of a french ship during the seven years war. The most famous Temeraire had her moment of glory as the second ship in the weather line at the Battle of Trafalgar. There she captured two French ships of the line. Again, she also has a really cool name.
2. USS Enterprise, American aircraft carrier
The most famous Enterprise, is actually the starship. The next most famous Enterprise is probably the space shuttle. But the next most famous Enterprise is the World War II era Yorktown-class aircraft carrier. She survived Pearl Harbour and was present at practically every major engagement of the Pacific war.
1. H. M. S. Victory, British 100-gun, first-rate ship of the line
The Victory is one of the most famous warships in the world, and still exists at dock in England. Her name is inextricably linked with the brilliant Horatio Nelson; the blind, one-armed, sickly admiral who brow beated the French and Spanish on numerous occasions, and the Battle of Trafalgar as the lead ship in the weather line. Victory served as the flagships of numerous British admirals during the American War of Independence, and gained battle honours at Ushant, St. Vincent, and of course, Trafalgar.
Special mentions include H.M.C.S. Hyuga, USS Missouri, HMS Soveriegn of the Seas, Bismarck, Yamato, USS Constitution, and HMS Arc Royale.