Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms Space By Flag By Year By Tag

HMS Manchester (C15)

1938 WORLD WAR 2

History of HMS Manchester (C15)

Navy cruisers have evolved over hundreds of years, with significant changes in the materials and weapons used during World War II (1939-1945). In general, they still retain roles that cover many different mission types, while being designed for the rigors of sailing, operating as part of a fleet or independently.

Before the war, the Royal Navy joined other world powers to expand their naval power and commissioned a new light cruiser named HMS Manchester (C15).

Manchester is part of the Top 10 Township Class, which consists of three subclasses, the Southampton Class, the Gloucester Class (including Manchester) and the Edinburgh Class. These ships were lightly armored but fast, armed with twelve 6-inch guns.

Like other ships of the pre-war period, the Town class was designed and built within agreed boundaries set by the London Naval Treaty of 1930 to prevent a naval arms race.

HMS Manchester was built on 28 March 1936 by the shipyard Hawthorn Leslie in Hebburn, North East England. She was launched on April 12, 1937, and commissioned on August 4, 1938. World War II began on September 1, 1939 with the German invasion of Poland.

At the time of construction, HMS Manchester displaces nearly 12,000 tonnes when fully loaded. She has a length of 591.5 feet, a beam of 64.8 feet, and a draft of 20.5 feet. Her machine consisted of four Admiralty three-barrel boiler units connected to four Parsons geared steam turbines, producing 82,500 horsepower on four shafts.

She has a top straight-line speed of 32 knots in ideal conditions and a range of 7,320 nautical miles at 13 knots. Her entire staff consists of 750 employees.

As a military cruiser, HSM Manchester was armed with a main battery of 12 x 6 in (152 mm) guns distributed in four turrets, two above the forecastle and two near the stern. This provided massive flanks while still allowing at least six guns to engage front and rear targets simultaneously. Secondary armament includes 8 x 4" (102mm) cannons for extra power.

There are 8 x 40.5mm cannons for close range operations and finally 4 x .50 caliber Vickers machine guns for basic defense and boarding operations. Like other surface ships of the time, the Manchester was equipped with torpedo launchers, using 6 x 21 in (533 mm) tubes as two "triple" launchers.

For over-the-horizon work, Manchester is equipped with launch catapults to support its pair of Supermarine Walrus seaplane reconnaissance aircraft. These can be retrieved for reuse by the crane system provided amidships.

Overall, the HMS Manchester is a traditional design with a more traditional silhouette. Her bridge structure is mounted behind the forward pair of main turrets. A pair of smoke funnels are installed near the midship to discharge machinery in the hull. Two masts were used, one at the aft of the bridge superstructure and the other at the aft of the second funnel, but in front of the aft-facing rear main battery pair.

Armor protection ranges from 2 inches on her deck to 4.9 inches on her sides.

HMS Manchester is equipped with a complete radar package. These include the Type 279 Airborne Warning Radar and the Type 273 Surface Warning Radar components that provide the crew and their captains with great situational awareness.

In addition, the Type 284 and Type 285 are designed for fire control for more accurate long-range firing of the main battery.

As soon as the British went to war, the HMS Manchester was deployed, arriving in its own waters from the East Indies in November 1939. German businessman in February 1940. On April 9, 1940, Germany launched the campaign to capture Norway, which forced Manchester to support the Allies there in vain - the country eventually joined other European players who fell to the Germans. Team escort duties then ushered in a career in Manchester.

In November 1940, she took part in the naval battle of Cape Spartevento in the Mediterranean - a dispute that was fruitless for both parties.

Manchester was rebuilt from December 1940 to April 1941. She resumed patrols and participated in the pursuit of the KMS Bismarck until a torpedo hit her port side in July, forcing her to sail to Gibraltar. From there, she sailed to Philadelphia for additional work in February 1942, before settling in her home waters in Portsmouth in late April. In May, she rejoined the Home Fleet and assumed further escort duties.

In August, she was sent to Mediterranean waters.

From June 1940 to November 1942, the island of Malta, strategically located in the Mediterranean Sea, was surrounded by the Axis Powers, which consisted of combined Italian and German forces. It was decided to form a convoy and sail to the island to deliver much-needed supplies to the besieged troops.

HMS Manchester forms part of the protective net around the fleet of fourteen ships. The operation is called "Operation Pedestal".

In August 1942, HMS Manchester and the fleet were sailing towards the island when they were attacked by Italian aircraft and patrol boats. Manchester was torpedoed, the engine was damaged, and 15 crew members were killed.

The ship is now adrift and powerless, and Captain Harold Drew ordered it to be scrapped and sunk with explosives - to prevent her vital radar technology from falling into enemy control. On August 13, 1942, the ship with a powerful list, limited engine power, little ammunition and nightfall was blown up under command.

The remaining crew, with a few exceptions, were mostly rescued by Allied ships. After returning home, Captain Drew was court-martialed for ordering the bombing of the prized British warship, and was never again given command in the Royal Navy.

Despite this flaw, his staff supported him until the end.