An item referred to the N.M.R. dated 25 April 1935 reporting that due to the London Naval Treaty the 4 Hawkins-class cruisers dating from 1918-1919 were to be stricken before 31 December 1936.(1) Within the British Royal Navy was strongly protested against the disposal of these still suitable well designed ships. It was believed that the Admiralty would try at the next naval conference to maintain them.(2)
Notes
1. Hawkins-class heavy cruisers consisted of Hawkins, Raleigh, Frobisher, Effingham and Cavendish, succeeded by the County-class. An enlarged light cruiser design. Except for the demolished HMS Raleigh survived her sister ships the interbellum and served in the Second World War. The Forbisher, Hawkings and Cavendish broken up between 1946-1949, the Effingham was wrecked off Faksen Shoal, Bodø, Norway and sunk by the HMS Matabele. The Cavendish was completed as the aircraft carrier Vindictive.
2. The Second London Naval Treaty limited the displacement to 35.000 long tons/36.000 tons (since 1938 45.000 tons) and a main armament of 35,56cm/14“ guns. Treaty signed by England, USA and France on 25 March 1936. If Japan or Italy still refused to sign this treaty after 1 April 1937 were 40,6cm/16” guns allowed. The outbreak of the Second World on 1 September 1939 was the end for the treaty which otherwise would have expired in 1942. The Naval Conference started on 9 December 1935.
