Light Cruisers: HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk

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Brian James
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Light Cruisers: HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk

Unread post by Brian James »

Tromp-Class Light Cruiser HNMLS Jacob van Heemskerk pictured in 1949.
Originally designated as a Flotilla Leader and a Torpedo Cruiser in the Dutch Fleet Plan of 1931, she was hastily commissioned on May 10th 1940 at Amsterdam, when Germany invaded the Netherlands. However, as she was not armed she escaped to the United Kingdom, where she was refitted as an Air Defence Cruiser, since these were the only type of gun available, and there was a growing need for this type of ship to protect the convoys. During the Second World War the crew felt that their ship was blessed and gave her the nickname Oude Jacob (Old Jacob). She received the reputation for proficiency, and not a single convoy ship would be lost when she was on duty.
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designeraccd
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Re: Light Cruisers: HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk

Unread post by designeraccd »

She was a handsome little cruiser that gave excellent service in WW2 with her d.p. 4" weapon fit. She was finally struck in 1969, scrapped 1970. DFO
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Culverin
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Location: Off the Itchen Navi.

Re: Light Cruisers: HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk

Unread post by Culverin »

Once Old Jacob had escaped to England the plan to re arm her was a no brainer and there was only one outfit that would suit.

The RN was well aware of its AA deficiencies and conversions had already been completed.

In 1938 - 40 the RN had rearmed 4 C class cruisers, Curacoa, Cairo, Calcutta and Carlisle with 4 twin 4" and a further 16 V / W class and Wallace with 2 twins, known as WAIR's. Later in 1942 - 43 Caledon and Colombo were converted but with a reduced 3 twins.

The Dutchman followed the same format but carried 5 twins as she had the stability for this increase with a pair amidships and the associated HACS. This in lieu of her intended 5.9" as designed and in sister Tromp.

With 5.25" supply bottlenecks a different arrangement was fitted in the 2 Dido's Charybdis and Scylla where 4 twin 4.5" was utilised as in carrier Ark Royal.
Brian James
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Re: Light Cruisers: HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk

Unread post by Brian James »

Tromp Class Light Cruiser HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerck pictured with an unidentified King George V Class Battleship in Gladstone Drydock,Liverpool in 1941.
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designeraccd
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Re: Light Cruisers: HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk

Unread post by designeraccd »

Two more views of this handsome lil CLAA....Brit guns. :) DFO
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Brian James
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Re: Light Cruisers: HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk

Unread post by Brian James »

Tromp Class Light Cruiser HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerck pictured at Hembrug on July 27th 1945.
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designeraccd
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Re: Light Cruisers: HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk

Unread post by designeraccd »

A nice post war, waterline view of her. ;) Also, a low stern wartime view of the little CLAA! Not crystal clear, but a interesting view which does clearly show the later removed tripod mast. DFO
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