Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:26:32-4:27:00

Using newer cruisers to retire older Royal Navy classes

A larger surviving force of C-, D-, and E-class cruisers could release the older Arethusa and Town classes, although reserve status was more likely than immediate disposal.

Arethusa Class Light Cruisers (1913)C Class CruisersDanae Class Light CruisersEmerald Class Light CruisersFleet ModernisationLight CruisersRoyal NavyTown Class Light Cruisers (1910)
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Question

Would a larger surviving force of C-, D-, and E-class cruisers have allowed the Royal Navy to retire its older Arethusa and Town classes?

Short answer

Yes, although the older cruisers would probably be placed in reserve rather than scrapped immediately.

Notes

A larger force of C-, D-, and E-class cruisers could allow the surviving 1913 Arethusa and 1910 Town classes to leave active service. Reserve status is considered more likely than immediate disposal. The older ships would therefore remain available after newer cruisers took over their duties.