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HMS Delhi (1919) CC  (1st)

Built by Armstrong, laid down 29-Oct-1917, launched 23-Aug-1918 and completed 31-May-1919.

On completion served as Flagship, 1st Light Cruiser Squadron, Atlantic Fleet.

Deployed to the Baltic 1919 as flagship of Admiral Cowan's squadron.

Took part in the Empire Cruise, after which she went to the Mediterranean from 18-Nov-1924 until 1926. Then joined the 1st Cruiser Squadron on the China Station until the end of 1928.

Was Flagship of the 8th Cruiser Squadron on the America and West Indies Station Dec-1929 to 1932. When she went to the Mediterranean and the 3rd Cruiser Squadron. 

Returned to home waters Mar-1938 and went into reserve.

At the start of WW2 joined the 12th Cruiser Squadron and took part in Northern Patrol duties. Intercepting the German blockade runners Rheingold, and Mecklenburg before the end of 1939.

To Gibraltar 1940 to join Force H and took part in Operation Hurry where naval aircraft attacked Sardinia.

Operated against Vichy French forces in West Africa.

Converted to an anti-aircraft cruiser at New York Navy Yard from 03-May to 31-Dec-1941. The refit was completed in Britain by May-1942 when she rejoined the Home Fleet.

 Took part in the Torch landings in North Africa and was badly damaged by bombs 20-Nov-1942 when her stern was blown off. After repairs she remained in the Mediterranean, seeing action at the Sicily landings Jul-1943, Salerno Sep-1943 (where she collided with HMS Uganda) and Anzio Jan-1944.

Apr-1944 served on convoy escort duty in the Western Mediterranean. Aug-1944 supported the landing in the South of France.

Then it was to the Adriatic where she was damaged by explosive motorboats. She was not repaired, just patched up and returned to Sheerness Apr-1945 where repairs were abandoned and she went into reserve.

After being used as a target ship handed over for scrapping 22-Jan-1948 and arrived at Cashmore of Newport for breaking up Apr-1948.

Won the Battle Honours: Atlantic 1940, North Africa 1942, Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943, Anzio 1944, South France 1944, Adriatic 1944.

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Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated.