Delhi and Despatch followed very different wartime paths. Delhi's 1941 American conversion fitted Mark 37 fire control and 5-inch/38 guns, giving her a modern appearance and an air-defence role with Force H. Despatch retained her older layout, fought at Cape Spartivento, and later lost her main guns when she became a headquarters and harbour-defence ship for the Mulberry harbours. That specialized Normandy assignment had no obvious equivalent in a later Far East campaign. Durban, Danae, Dauntless, and briefly Dragon also served with or supported the Eastern Fleet, where the class still filled regional duties.
Notable Point · 24:15-25:54
Delhi's conversion and Despatch at Mulberry
Delhi's American conversion created a modern Force H anti-aircraft cruiser, while Despatch moved from Cape Spartivento to headquarters duties for the Mulberry harbours.