Скачать или смотреть British War Prizes: From German Cruisers to Japanese Destroyers

In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, the victors were left to decide the fate of the vanquished fleets. While much of the spotlight fell on the United States and the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom also received its share of Axis naval remnants. In this video, we explore the forgotten ships allocated to Britain from the defeated Kriegsmarine, Regia Marina, and Imperial Japanese Navy—vessels that, though less flashy than others, played a surprising postwar role.

The Royal Navy, having borne the brunt of the naval war in Europe, ended the conflict with a vested interest in examining enemy technology. Though Britain received fewer headline-grabbing ships than her allies, she took possession of a diverse collection—destroyers, torpedo boats, minesweepers, and auxiliaries. Some, like the German Z-class destroyers, were used in high-pressure boiler trials or underwater explosion tests before being scrapped. Others, such as the Italian Vittorio Veneto battleship, were briefly considered for reactivation but ultimately met the breakers' torch.

We trace the fascinating journeys of these ships—how the British came to possess them, the politics behind their allocation, and what eventually became of them. From captured German cruisers like Nürnberg and the coveted Prinz Eugen (which went to the Americans), to lesser-known Japanese and Italian ships divided by lot and treaty, this video uncovers a rarely told story of naval dismantlement and repurposing.

Using sources such as Dodson and Cant's extensive naval histories, we dive deep into the postwar decisions that shaped Britain’s short-lived interaction with former Axis warships. Some were scrapped, others studied, and a few were passed on to other nations like France and the Netherlands. Whether used for research, stripped for parts, or sunk in trials, these ships found new—and often final—purposes under the White Ensign.

This episode highlights not just the ships themselves but the broader logistical and political considerations behind their distribution. As Britain faced economic strain and a changing global role, it had little interest in maintaining enemy vessels long term. Yet the information gleaned from them proved valuable as the Royal Navy navigated the early Cold War era.

Join us as we uncover what happened to the ships that once flew the flags of Axis powers, and how the Royal Navy made use—however briefly—of their steel and secrets. Whether you’re a warship enthusiast or a student of postwar naval history, this video sheds light on a rarely covered corner of maritime heritage.

Intro 0:00
German War Prizes 0:39
Italian War Prizes 9:55
Japanese War Prizes 15:37
Conclusion 19:14

Sources/Other Reading:

https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Theat...

https://hmsjervisbay.com/Story.HX84.php

https://www.amazon.com/German-Light-C...

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Cruisers...

https://www.amazon.com/Spoils-War-Ene...

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

https://www.amazon.com/Mussolinis-Nav...

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

https://www.amazon.com/Warships-Sovie...

https://books.google.com/books?id=xJW...

Video Information:
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