Weird Russian and Soviet Battleships

In this video, we explore some of the most intriguing and unusual battleship designs from the Imperial Russian Navy, alongside the story of a British battleship that found itself serving under a different flag. These ships, both Russian and British, represent a unique chapter in naval history, showcasing the creativity and strategic thinking that emerged from necessity and circumstance.

Our journey begins with one of the strangest concepts ever proposed: the Russian Torpedo Battleship. In the wake of the Russo-Japanese War, the Imperial Russian Navy was significantly weakened, leading to the exploration of unconventional ideas to compensate for their lack of powerful battleships. Among these was Pavel Viktorovich Iankov's radical vision of a Torpedo Battleship, designed in the 1910s, armed with 84 underwater torpedo tubes—42 per side. This ambitious design aimed to disrupt enemy formations with massive salvos, though it never left the drawing board. Nevertheless, it offers a fascinating insight into the naval strategies and desperation of the time.

Next, we shift focus to the Empress Maria-class dreadnoughts, a more conventional but equally unique Russian battleship design. These ships were commissioned after reports in 1910 revealed that the Ottoman Empire was ordering powerful dreadnoughts from British shipyards, threatening Russian dominance in the Black Sea. The Empress Maria-class ships, featuring triple turrets along the centerline and armed with 12-inch guns, were a direct response to this potential threat. Despite initial resistance from the Naval Ministry, these ships were hastily approved and played a crucial role in maintaining Russian naval power during World War I.

The video then takes an unexpected turn with the story of HMS Royal Sovereign, a British battleship that found itself in Russian service during World War II. Known as "Arkhangelsk" after being transferred to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease program, Royal Sovereign's journey reflects the geopolitical realities of the time. While not a cutting-edge vessel by the time of her transfer, the Royal Sovereign served as a symbol of Allied cooperation and Soviet resilience. Her presence in the Soviet fleet also highlights the complexities and challenges of wartime naval logistics and diplomacy.

Throughout the video, we explore the challenges and peculiarities of Russian shipbuilding and naval strategy during these eras. The design and construction phases were often marked by fierce competition between shipyards, each with its own ideas and approaches. Additionally, the strategic decisions that led to these ships' creation—whether born out of desperation or necessity—provide a deeper understanding of how naval power was perceived and pursued by the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union.

Join us as we delve into these fascinating ships and their stories. Whether you're a naval history enthusiast or simply curious about the more obscure corners of military history, this video offers a unique look at the ships that played pivotal roles in the turbulent waters of their time.

Intro 0:00
The Torpedo Battleship 0:37
The Empress Maria Class 9:39
The Arkhangelsk 20:53
Conclusion 26:58

Sources/Other Reading:

https://www.amazon.com/Castles-Steel-...


https://www.amazon.com/British-Battle...

https://www.usni.org/press/books/russ...

https://www.amazon.com/British-Battle...

Some other reading, though take it with a grain of salt: https://www.rbth.com/history/331303-i...

Video Information:
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