British light cruiser HMS Orion 1931-1949

Leander-class

Australian HMAS Hobart

Building ordered on 24 March 1931, laid down on the Navy Dockyard at Devonport, England on 26 September 1931, launched on 24 November 1932, commissioned on 18 January 1934, decommissioned in 1947, sold to Arnott Young, Dalmuir, Scotland to be broken up on 19Juy 1949 and which was executed in August 1949.

Pennant 85. Of the Leander-class light cruisers consisting of the Leander, Orion, Neptune, Ajax, Achilles, Amphion, Apollo and Sydney). With the Leander and the Perth-Sydney-Hobart forming sub classes. Preceded by the Emerald class and succeeded by the Arethusa-class.

Displacement 7.270 (standard)-9.740 (full load) tons and as dimensions 169,1 x 17 x 5,8 metres or 554.9 x 56 x 19.1 feet. The 4 Parsons geared steam turbines and 6 Admiralty 3-drum oil-fired boilers supplied 72.000 shp allowing a speed of 32,5 knots and a with a speed of 13 knots a range of 5.730 nautical miles. Crew numbered 550 (peace)-680 (war). The original armament consisted of 4x2-16,2cm/6” Mk XXIII naval guns, 4x1-10,2cm/4” guns, 12-0.5 machineguns, 8-53,3cm/ 21” torpedo tubes. In 1945 armed with 4x2-16,2cm 6” guns, 8-10,2cm/4” guns, 16-4cm guns and 2x4-53.3cm/21” torpedo tubes. Fitted out with one plane. Originally a Fairey Seafox later replaced by a Supermarine Walrus. The armour consisted of a 6,4cm (end)-10,2cm/2.5”- 4” thick belt, a 6,4cm/2.5”, a 3,2-5,1cm/1.25-2” thick deck with the turrets protected by 2,5cm/1” thick armour.