During WWI and WWII there were different battles all over the world. While most of the fighting happened by air or on land, there were also some battles where ships were used. Unfortunately, there are many ships that got destroyed and sank to the bottom of the ocean where the battle was held. With modern technology we’re able to find these shipwrecks and learn more about these wars. If you’re curious to learn more about sunken shipwrecks from these wars, then keep on reading!
USS Samuel B. Roberts (Sammy B.) – Deepest Shipwreck Ever Found
During the battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944, the American destroyer “Sammy B.” was destroyed in a heroic battle against a superior Japanese fleet. However, experts rediscovered the shipwreck in 2022 at a depth of 22,916 feet, nearly 7000 meters! This makes it the deepest shipwreck ever found.
Japanese Aircraft Carrier Kaga – Battle of Midway Wreck
The battle of Midway is known as one of the most decisive naval battles, fought in 1942. This battle is when the Japanese Aircraft Carrier Kaga was destroyed and the U.S. turned the tide of the war on the Pacific battlefield. Nowadays is a sunken monument to showcase this victory!
German Battleship Scharnhorst – Lost in the Falklands
The WWI battlecruiser was sunk in 1914 during a surprise British attack near the Falkland Islands. The wreck was only discovered in 2019 at a depth of more than 5,000 feet underwater.
USS Johnston – Former Deepest Shipwreck
Before Sammy B claimed the title in 2022, the USS Johnston held the title of deepest shipwreck. The ship was a casualty of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. It claimed the title before 2022 as it was found at 21.180 feet beneath sea level.
SS Thistlegorm – Sunken Treasure Trove
Are you interested in visiting a shipwreck yourself? Then the SS Thistlegorm is perfect for you. This British freighter sunk in the Red Sea. It was destroyed by German Bombers in 1941 and found its final resting place on the bottom of this location. However, the SS Thistlegorm is now one of the most famous dive sites in the world where you can visit a wreck. The best part? Military cargo, like trucks, motorcycles, and train parts, is still on board the ship.
German U-Boat UB-82 – The Sea Monster Legend
Sunk in 1918 near Scotland, this WWI German submarine became famous for a legend claiming it was attacked by a sea monster before British forces finished it off. However, we think that is was mainly the British forces that destroyed the ship!
Japanese Battleship Musashi – Titanic of the Pacific
One of the largest battleships ever built, Musashi was sunk during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Its wreck was found in 2015 in the Sibuyan Sea, showcasing its massive size and firepower. This is the third shipwreck on this list from this famous battle. It shows us how intense these fights must have been!
USS Houston – The Cruiser That Carried Roosevelt
Sunk by Japanese forces during the 1942 Battle of Sunda Strait, the USS Houston took more than 700 crew members down with it. The shipwreck was only discovered and surveyed 50 years after the ship sank.
‘Ghost Ships’ of Iwo Jima – Raised by a Volcano
Around 24 Japanese transport ships from WWII were lifted from the seafloor near Iwo Jima by an underwater volcanic eruption in 2022, creating an eerie maritime graveyard.
German Steamer Karlsruhe – Amber Room Mystery
This WWII wreck, found off Norway in 2020, may hold treasures from the fabled Amber Room. It was looted from Russia by the Nazis and lost during the war’s final days.
