HMS
Exeter, Built at Devonport by Parsons and launched 18tjh July 1929, she
was slightly different to the York by being 1 foot longer in the beam and
slightly higher funnels. Her main armament was slightly different as
well being able only to elevate 50% instead of 70 % as HMS York. Served in
the South Atlantic in 1939, taking part in the famous action against the Admiral
Graf Spee and was hit by seven 11 - inch shells , In this action she
was put out of action when her main 8 -inch Turrets all of which were
unable to fire. returning to UK for refit in 1940 for 14 months
and then Joining Home Fleet in 1941, transferred to Eastern Fleet 1942.
During the Battle in the Java Sea she was hit by a 8 -inch shell which
reduced her speed to 16 - knots, Two days later 1st march 1942 while
engaging Four Japanese Cruisers of the Nachi Class another 8 - inch shell
hit just forward to the Boiler room causing a major fire and the loss of
all steam. several more 8 -inch shells hit the Exeter, and had to be
abandoned and scuttled. but before this was completed she was torpedoed by
a Japanese destroyer and sunk.
These
ships were fairly similar to the Norfolk Class
except having only 6 main guns instead of the 8 in the Norfolk. There was
also three sister ships projected in 1929 but all were cancelled
Displacement:
, 8,390 tons (Exeter) Speed: 32kt Complement:
600
Armament:
Six 8 inch guns in pairs. Four 4 inch anti-aircraft guns and two 2pdr anti-aircraft
guns. Six 21 inch torpedo tubes in pairs and two on Exeter.
