Spanish Battleship Espana

The Espana class of battleships were Spains only dreadnought/modern battleships to be built, of which 3 were built. The battleships were as small and basic as dreadnoughts got with 8, 12 inch guns with 2 turrets mounted on wings, and a total length of 140m. Thus putting these battleships on par size and firepower wise, with the South Carolina class of battleships. The first Espana was laid down in December 1909 and launched on February 1912. Her final sister ship would be complted 9 years later. In 1923 during the Rif war with Morroco Espana would be lost off of Melilla, running aground due to fog. There were attempts to refloat her but they all failed. Her sister ships would take part in the Spanish civil war and both would be sunk during the war, with Jaime I being lost due to an accidental magazine explosion in Cartgena, Columbia.