The 1941 Force K centred on Aurora and Penelope, compact cruisers armed with three twin six-inch turrets and high-angle four-inch anti-aircraft guns. Their speed, firepower, and small size suited raiding and scouting in dangerous confined waters. Their internal subdivision resembled a destroyer's, with armour added to a structure already designed for compartmental resilience. That made them unusually tough pound for pound, although no subdivision could make a light cruiser invulnerable to heavy-calibre fire.
Chapter · 21:49-23:58
Arethusa cruisers built for confined waters
Aurora and Penelope combined compact six-inch-gun cruisers with unusually robust subdivision for Mediterranean striking operations.