reviewed by John Jordan

Warship Annual, May 2019

I found this book interesting for two different reasons. The first is the obvious one – looking at the detailed layout of the major systems of the cruiser – exactly how the guns and their supply systems worked, how the engines were laid out and so forth. The second is the fascinating trivialities of live on these warships – from the Rum store to an entire room dedicated to storing the instruments for the ship’s bands, or the constant attempts to find more places for the crew to sling their hammocks. These two threads also reflect the two competing aspects of warship design – these ships were both powerful weapons of war and floating communities. In the case of cruisers floating communities that were expected to be self sufficient, so we see large workships and stores of spares to allow her to keep operating away from base for long periods of time, and impressive Admiral’s quarters, to allow the ship to act almost as a floating British Embassy. This book really helps bring this ship to life, allowing us a glimpse inside her that is rarely possible with photographs.

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History of War

Impressive. Another Great Restoration Initiative.

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Miniaturas JM

The quality of the book is such that one can spend many happy hours studying the wealth of detail in the beautifully reproduced coloured plans as one metaphorically “wanders” through the ship. As a cruiser “fan” I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating volume which depicts a hard-worked warship that I can remember visiting when I was growing up in Portsmouth. Recommended.

World Ship Society

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Article: 'Conrad Waters assesses the long career of the Royal Navy Town class cruiser, which played a major role in World War II and outlasted her contemporaries'.

Ships Monthly, April 2018