Most interesting naval battle?

Question

There's a new book out about the WWII Battle of Leyte Gulf -- the largest and possibly the last large-scale naval battle ever. Other large naval battles include the Battle of Midway -- although that was really a battle between aircraft carriers -- and the WWI Battle of Jutland.

Which is the most interesting, and why?

Answer 1

Battle of Trafalgar.
Nelson commanded a British fleet of 27 ships against a combined French and Spanish fleet of 33. Instead of lining up his ships opposite the enemy in the traditional manner, Nelson divided his force into two parts and sailed into the enemy line piecing it in two places while discharging broadsides at the enemy fleet. Nelson’ flagship Victory caused 400 casualties on the French Bucentaure. In all, 15 enemy ships were sunk and the others fled. Sadly, Nelson was mortally wounded at the hour of victory.

Nelson had a most unusual funeral cortege. Many of the common seamen were buried at Gibraltar, but Nelson had to be taken to London for burial in Westminster Abbey. To effect this, his body was preserved in rum. A half barrel was nailed to the deck, and the coffin, bored with holes, was slid inside. The barrel was then filled with spirit, preserving the corpse. From then on in the Royal Navy, rum became known as ‘Nelson’s blood’.

Answer 2

For Modern times of the Battleship and Big Guns The Little Known 1914 Battle of the Falklands. A classic stern chase and a tale of unequalled dash by the normally stuffy powers after the Victory that Von Spee had over the British in the Pacific. Or the Battle of Mataplan in the second world war where the Italians where completly outguessed and lost all interest in Naval Fighting thereafter. For other periods then it would have to be the Battle of Copenhagen or the Nile. Not as famous as Trafagar but more important for defeating napoleans plans earlier. The Ionian Sea Battles from the Middle ages and the mass Christian Fleets against the Turk league All fascinating stuff

Answer 3

I'd go with the Battle of Tsushima, during the Russo-Japanese War, May 27-28, 1905. The Japanese fleet destroyed 2/3 of the Russian Baltic fleet, in what was called at the time the greatest battle since Trafalgar, and the only major battle of cruiser-class, metal, engine powered warships prior to the dreadnaught era. Admiral Togo outguessed the Russian admiral, and then out fought him.

Answer 4

Salamis, one of the largest naval battles in history with over 1200 vessels involved.

Answer 5

My pick is Salamis, between the Greeks and the Persians. 366 ships defeated a much larger Persian force of over 600 ships.

My second pick is Midway, a few lucky incidents, including catching the Japanese with the wrong bombs on deck....

Answer 6

I vote for Leyte Gulf, because so much happened and the screwups were so interesting.

Answer 7

England and Spain. when the English defeated the Spanish Armada

Answer 8

When the allied forces sunk the "Bismark"
Because it was deemed un-sinkable, had the most armor, and some of the biggest guns

It was comparable to when the 'Yamoto' was sunk.. Another "Fortress"

The U.S goes.."yeah, whatever!!!"
Then sinks them both!!!!! LOL !!!!

The Japanese asked for it??? Germans too.

Answer 9

What about the battle of Lepanto?

Answer 10

the battle of Jutland