Allied Warships

Heavy cruisers

London class

5 ships


The heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire (39) of the Royal Navy.

Technical information

TypeHeavy cruiser
Displacement9850 BRT 
Length630 feet (oa) 
Complement650 men 
Armament

8 8" guns (4x2)
8 4" AA guns (8x1)
8 2pdr AA (2x4)
8 .5" AA (2x4)
8 21" torpedo tubes (2x4)
1 aircraft
1 catapult

London after reconstruction;
8 8" guns (4x2)
8 4" AA guns (4x2)
16 2pdr AA (2x8)
8 .5" AA (2x4)
8 21" torpedo tubes (2x4)
3 aircraft
1 catapult 

Max speed32 knots
EnginesGeared turbines, 4 shafts 
Power80000 HP 
Notes on class

Modified Kents with internal bulges and slight layout changes including moving the bridge and mast 25ft back to free the firing arc of B turret. Also speed was increased by half a knot.

Modifications were very limited before the war, the Anti-Aircraft defence was slightly improved. HMS London was reconstructed at Chatham Dockyard from March 1939 to February 1941. During the war all ships had their Anti-Aircraft armament further improved. 


All ships of the London class


Royal Australian Navy Royal Australian Navy (more on Royal Australian Navy)

HMAS Shropshire (83)


Royal Navy Royal Navy (more on Royal Navy)

HMS Devonshire (39)
HMS London (69)
HMS Shropshire (83) (Became the Australian heavy cruiser Shropshire)
HMS Sussex (96)


5 Heavy cruisers of the London class.

Full wartime service history on this vessel.

See all Heavy cruiser classes.


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