British light cruiser HMS Birmingham slightly damaged by fire broken out on board according to the Dutch newspaper De Sumatra Post dated 5 January 1938

An item dated London, England dated 4th reported that on the 2nd a starting fire was discovered on board of the British cruiser HMS Birmingham lying at the navy yard at Portsmouth, England. Despite that the crew managed to extinguished quick was there some damage. She was a new cruiser recently commissioned and to depart on short notice towards China. Expected was that this intention should not be delayed.(1)

Note

1. Part of the Town-class light cruisers, preceded by Arethusa-class, succeeded by Crown Colony and Dido-classes. Laid down by Devonport Dockyard, PLymouth, England on 18 July 1935, launched on 1 September 1936, commissioned on  18 November 1937 and scrapped in 1960. Main armament 4x3-15.2cm/6” Mk XXIII guns.