Technical information
Type | Heavy cruiser |
Displacement | |
Length | 575 feet (oa) |
Complement | 600 men |
Armament | 1939; 6 8" guns (3x2) 4 4" AA guns (4x1) 2 2pdr AA (2x1) 6 21" torpedo tubes (2x3) York 1 aircraft, Exeter 2 aircraft 1 catapult |
Max speed | 32 knots |
Engines | Geared turbines, 4 shafts |
Power | 80000 HP |
Notes on class | Displacement;
York 8250 tons,
Exeter 8390 tons.
smaller version of the County classes, but with better protection. Much improved armour protection over machinery spaces in this class was probably the vital element that saved Exeter at the Battle of the River Plate. A main armament of three twin 8-inch turrets instead of four permitted a reduction in length of 50ft and in weight of about 17 per cent compared with the Kents. Exeter had straight masts and funnels. Exeter's bridge structure was of the "box" type (next seen in the Leander-class light cruisers). Exeter's single 4" AA guns were replaced by twin mounts during her refit following the Battle of the River Plate. Also 2 8-barrelled 2pdr's were fitted. |
All ships of the York class
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HMS Exeter (68) | Lost on 1 Mar 1942 | |
HMS York (90) | Lost on 26 Mar 1941 | |
Full wartime service history on this vessel. |
See all Heavy cruiser classes.
Books dealing with this subject include:
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