The USS North Carolina (BB-55), a battleship of the United States Navy, was renowned for its powerful armament and formidable presence during World War II.
One of the most iconic moments in its history occurred during its gun trials when it unleashed a massive 16-inch gun broadside, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it. Notably, during these trials, a British Pathé film crew was aboard to capture the awe-inspiring spectacle.
The USS North Carolina, the lead ship of her class, was commissioned on April 9, 1941, and played a crucial role in the Pacific theater during World War II.
Equipped with nine 16-inch/45 caliber Mark 6 guns in three triple-gun turrets, along with an array of secondary armaments, the USS North Carolina was a formidable force in naval warfare.
The 16-inch guns were the largest naval artillery pieces ever mounted on an American battleship at that time, capable of firing high-explosive and armor-piercing shells over vast distances with devastating accuracy. The gun trials were conducted to test the battleship’s firepower and ensure its readiness for combat.
On the day of the trials, the British Pathé film crew was present to document the USS North Carolina’s firepower in action. As the massive guns roared to life, sending 2,700-pound projectiles hurtling towards their targets, the crew captured the awe-inspiring display on film.
The footage captured during the gun trials provided a rare glimpse into the raw power and destructive capabilities of naval artillery. The sheer force of the broadside, combined with the thunderous roar of the guns, left a profound impression on both the crew of the USS North Carolina and the British Pathé film crew.
The USS North Carolina’s gun trials showcased not only the technological prowess of American naval engineering but also the courage and skill of the sailors who served aboard her.
The British Pathé footage immortalized this momentous event, ensuring that future generations would be able to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of a 16-inch gun broadside from one of the most legendary battleships in history.
