Monday, November 12, 2007

Challenger and Highflyer class cruisers

The two ships of the Challenger class of second class cruisers were virtual repeats of the previous Highflyer class, but equipped with engines that were 25% more powerful
HMS Challenger was the nameship of the Challenger class of second class cruisers. She spent most of the First World War on the African stations, taking part in the invasion of the Cameroons and the East Africa campaign.
HMAS Encounter was a Challenger class second class cruiser that spent most of the First World War on the Australian station.
The Highflyer class of second class cruisers were virtual repeats of the Eclipse class, but carried eleven 6in guns instead of the mix of 6in and 4.7in guns used on the earlier ships.
HMS Hermes was a Highflyer class second class cruiser that was converted to act as a seaplane carrier in 1913.
HMS Highflyer was the nameship of the Highflyer class of second class cruisers. During the First World War she sank the German commerce raider Kaiser Wilhelm de Grosse, and in 1917 escorted the first transatlantic convoy from Canada.
HMS Hyacinth was a Highflyer second class cruiser that served on the Cape and East Africa station during the First World War.

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