Despatch spent about two years refitting before joining the Third Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean, where she remained until 1937. The posting put her among the Royal Navy ships used around the Spanish Civil War. Diomede and Dunedin served with the New Zealand Division until newer cruisers replaced them. Achilles succeeded Diomede, and Leander succeeded Dunedin. The handover shifted distant station work to newer hulls as the D class moved toward secondary duties.
Notable Point · 8:30-11:58
Mediterranean duty and New Zealand replacements
Despatch served with Third Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean as Spanish Civil War commitments grew, while Achilles and Leander replaced Diomede and Dunedin in New Zealand.