Cruisers: WW2 Cruisers

[designeraccd]

The Dutch Navy lost several of their pre-war built light cruisers to the IJN early in the war. The oldest of these were basically a WW1 era design, but not built until the 1920s. The new, larger one was a then modern design that was a unique looking ship. The design of the third cl, DE RUYTER, was quite controversial in Holland. She was smaller than her 2 predecessors and was designed for only 6-5.9". Cost was a serious limiting factor, as the cost was to be divided 50/50 between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies. In 1932 a govt. decision was made to increase her size/tonnage! Despite this 8-5.9" could not be carried, but a single 5.9" was added in "B" position.

She was finally ordered on 1 Aug, 1932. She was commissioned 3 Oct., 1936. DE RUYTER left for the Far East 12 Jan., 1937. The cruiser never returned being sunk in the Battle of the Java Sea, 1942.

Her particulars were:
170.92 m x 15.7m. 7-5.9", 10-40mm. Armor was 30-50mm belt, and 30 mm bulkheads, barbettes, turrets, control tower and decks. Her speed was a maximum of 33.5 knots at 6580 tons. DFO

[ivorthediver]

The DE RUYTER was a fine looking ship Dennis , and as all were ....a sad loss of life .

You have certainly been a busy lad recently but managing to keep up with you ......just

[designeraccd]

Of course the Dutch were also trying to complete the 2 TROMP class light cruisers. The TROMP was completed as a CL. Both ships served thru the war; altho her sister was completed as a CLAA armed with RN twin 4" mounts. Finally they finished 2 , post war,that had sat on the stocks thru WW2. One became the last gun cruiser in active service, after she had been sold to Peru. She was recently decommissioned. DFO

[ivorthediver]

A nice looking Ship Dennis , thanks for sharing the details on her , any more tucked away please