Could a Battleship Destroy a Medieval Castle?
The myth of a medieval castle standing tall against a battleship's onslaught is a common one, but the truth is, no medieval castle would withstand the power of a modern battleship, especially during the time of World War II.
Modern Battleships vs. Castles
No medieval castle could withstand the onslaught of a well-equipped modern battleship. The above-ground towers and battlements would be no match for the heavy artillery of a battleship. While some deeply buried passages and basements might survive, the towering structures and iconic elements of castles would be easily flattened.
Historical Examples
To illustrate this point, consider the example of USS Mississippi and Shuri Castle during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. This engagement provides a clear and definitive example of a battleship's destructive power against a historical castle.
Shuri Castle and USS Mississippi
Shuri Castle in Okinawa was a significant national landmark during the pre-war period. Before the war, it was designated a National Treasure. However, during the war, the Japanese military established its headquarters underground at the castle. On May 25, 1945, the American battleship USS Mississippi began shelling the castle for three consecutive days. On May 27, the castle burned, and further artillery strikes ensured that the structure was little more than rubble by the end of the battle. The Confederate Battle Flag was hoisted above the ruins by American Marines, symbolizing the end of Japanese resistance in the area.
Another Example: USS Nevada vs. Batterie de Cepet
During the Battle of Toulon in 1944, another example of a battleship's destructive power is given. The 150-year-old fortification known as Batterie de Cepet, equipped with two battleship gun turrets, served as a formidable obstacle. However, the USS Nevada and other allied ships managed to breach this fortification, proving the ineffectiveness of such structures against modern naval artillery.
Symbolism and Reality
William F. Halsey, a naval commander, once noted that during the Battle of Okinawa, the first salvo fired from the USS New Jersey was at Shuri Castle. Even though Shuri Castle had fallen into disrepair, it still had significant symbolic value. A few decades later, the destructive power of the Iowa-class battleship during the Beirut barracks bombing demonstrated the devastating capability of such ships, unearthing the reality behind the myth.
In conclusion, modern battleships would easily destroy any medieval castle, breaching towers, destroying walls and gatehouses, and rendering any other structures within the castle district uninhabitable. The historical records definitively demonstrate the futility of medieval fortifications against the might of a well-equipped battleship.