Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 33:22-34:14

A Canadian cruiser against SMS Leipzig

A Canadian-manned Town-class cruiser should be able to defeat or drive off SMS Leipzig near San Francisco in 1914.

C Class CruisersCruisersImperial German NavyLive Q&ARoyal Canadian NavySMS LeipzigTown Class Light Cruisers (1910)World War I
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Question

What would the Royal Canadian Navy need in one ship to defeat SMS Leipzig off San Francisco in 1914?

Short answer

A Town-class cruiser with a Canadian crew should probably do the job, especially since driving Leipzig off may be enough.

Notes

A Canadian-manned Town-class cruiser is suggested as a probable match for SMS Leipzig off San Francisco in 1914. The preference is for a later Town, with an early C-class cruiser also mentioned as an alternative. The assessment rests on the recollection that Leipzig was a German light cruiser, rather than a large armoured cruiser, and is not a detailed comparison of individual ships. Victory could mean driving her away; sinking her would not be necessary.