Q&A · 3:29:26-3:30:27

Narvik, Force Z, and Matapan offer different battle viewpoints

A choice among naval battles weighs destroyer combat at Narvik, Repulse's evasive maneuvering with Force Z, and Formidable's gun crews at Matapan.

Question

If you could take part in one historical naval battle aboard a ship, which would you choose?

Short answer

Narvik, Repulse with Force Z, and Formidable at Cape Matapan are the leading choices because each reveals a different kind of naval combat.

Notes

The destroyer fighting at Narvik would put a participant inside an unusually intense close naval action. HMS Repulse during the Force Z air attack offers a different view through the battlecruiser's remarkable evasive maneuvering. A third choice is HMS Formidable at Cape Matapan, specifically the carrier's gun crew deciding to join the surface fire against Italian cruisers. Each position reveals a different part of naval combat, including ship handling under air attack and a carrier unexpectedly using its guns in a fleet engagement.