HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse were dispatched to the South China Sea in December 1941, shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, to bolster British naval strength in the area against the threat posed by Japanese expansion. The British hoped to deter further Japanese advances in Malaya and protect vital shipping routes. Under the command of Vice Admiral Sir Tom Phillips, the ships were sent without adequate air cover, as their escorting aircraft carrier, HMS Indomitable, was delayed in getting to the region. On December 10, 1941, the Japanese launched a coordinated attack involving over 80 aircraft, including torpedo bombers, against the two capital ships.Despite their formidable defenses and enhanced anti-aircraft measures, the Prince of Wales and Repulse were overwhelmed by the aircraft attacking in waves. The first torpedo hit Prince of Wales at around 12:18 PM, causing severe damage. Though attempts were made to counterattack, they were hampered by the lack of air support. Within approximately two hours, the ships sustained multiple hits and began to sink. Around 840 crew members lost their lives, marking not only the loss of these premier vessels but also a strategic embarrassment for the Royal Navy. The event showcased the growing dominance of air power over traditional naval strength in modern warfare.