The 1941 sinking of Force Z—HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse—resulted from the Royal Navy’s fatal underestimation of Japanese aerial capabilities and overconfidence in battleship supremacy. Lacking air cover, the ships were destroyed by land-based bombers due to arrogant racial stereotyping, poor intelligence, and reckless operational decisions. Reasons for Underestimating the Japanese: Racial and Technical Stereotyping: British planners believed Japanese aircraft were merely inferior copies

During the Japanese air attack on December 10, 1941, HMS Repulse gained fame for remarkable, cruiser-like agility under Captain William Tennant, dodging approximately 19 torpedoes. Utilizing high speed and sharp, full-helm turns, Repulse twisted through torpedo tracks, with crew observing white wakes harmlessly passing. Despite these maneuvers, she was eventually overwhelmed and sunk. "Hit Me If You Can": Repulse's maneuverability was described as akin to a light cruiser, despite its 32,000-ton

Two veterans that were on board HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse when they were sunk during the Second World War have recalled that day 80 years ago. More than 800 crew members were killed when the ships were attacked and sunk by the Imperial Japanese Navy on 10 December 1941 - one of the Royal Navy's darkest days. | Forces News