Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:26:00

When C- and D-class cruisers might retire without war

Without the Second World War, the old C- and D-class cruisers might leave service around 1942-43 as Dido-class ships and successors arrived.

C Class CruisersCruiser ProcurementDanae Class Light CruisersDido Class Light CruisersRoyal Navy
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Question

How long would the C- and D-class cruisers have remained in service without the Second World War?

Short answer

Probably until about 1942-43, depending on the delivery rate of Dido-class cruisers and their successors.

Notes

The ageing C- and D-class cruisers could disappear by about 1942 or 1943 in a no-war timeline. The pace would depend on how quickly the Dido class and follow-on cruisers entered service. First Sea Lord Dudley Pound favored numerous small general-purpose cruisers, while Andrew Cunningham preferred larger ships. Cunningham's views on large cruisers and destroyers then evolved substantially under wartime experience before he became First Sea Lord.