Only Barfleur arrived in time to see service in WW"2 action with the British Pacific Fleet from mid-1945. She took part in the last carrier operations against the Japanese mainland and was present at the final surrender. The remainder of her flotilla followed her as they were completed. Post war service extended to the late 1960's when armament and equipment were considerably updated. Cadiz was sold to Pakistan and re-named Khaibar. She was sunk by Indian FPB's off Karachi on the night of 4/5 December 1971.

Eighteen of this class were cancelled, nine of which had already been launched. Of those completed, Dunkirk did not complete until late 1946 and the last Alamein in mid-1948, 3 years after the end of the war in Europe. In the 1960's Agincourt, Aisne, Barrosa and Corunna were extensively converted to radar pickets. Strangely Matapan, after having spent almost her whole life in reserve, was re-built as a trials ships becoming unrecognizable as a former 'Battle'. She was not broken up until 1979.

Battle Class Class Page