In August 1939 Enterprise carried seven six-inch guns, eight .50-calibre machine guns in two quadruple mountings, and four single two-pounder pom-poms. That armament list also assigns her sixteen 21-inch torpedoes in four quadruple tubes. The earlier design figures and later armament totals instead give twelve torpedoes in four triple mountings, leaving the fit unresolved. The six-inch battery changed little while close-range anti-aircraft armament grew sharply. By 1943 she had twelve two-pounder pom-poms and twelve 20 mm weapons, with six more single 20 mm guns added in 1944-45. The exact 1943 mounting configuration is unclear, although the total of twelve is clear. The later fit was considered adequate for this theatre, while Far Eastern service would have called for more 40 mm firepower. The number of guns and crew required helps explain why newer cruisers were preferred.
Notable Point · 19:20-21:55
How war transformed Enterprise's air defences
Enterprise retained her six-inch battery while wartime refits multiplied her pom-pom and 20 mm anti-aircraft weapons; the stated torpedo totals conflict.