Modernisation proposal for the light Dutch cruiser Hr.Ms. Java anno 1934

Modernisation proposal. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Appearance Second World War. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Dutch magazine Onze Vloot dated 4-1936, Hr.Ms. De Ruyter, drawing by L. Müller.

Part of Java-class preceded by Holland-class succeeded by De Ruyter. Ordered on 6/15 November 1915, laid down with yard number 155 by Kon. Mij. De Schelde, Vlissingen, Netherlands on 31 May 1916, launched on 6 August 1921, commissioned on 1 May 1925 and lost as part of the ABDA-squadron in the Battle of the Java Sea against the Japanese Fleet on 27 February 1942. In the 1930s was decided to modernize the Dutch light cruisers Hr.Ms. Java and Sumatra. According to the London Treaty was the age limit of cruisers laid down before 1 January 1920 16 years. The artillery and fire control of both ships was outdated. In 1934 was the so-called reserve cruiser yet not available, this was the Hr.Ms. De Ruyter. In 1938 was a budget to be asked to replace the Java by the Ersatz Java which would be available in 1942. Also the Sumatra was to be replaced. Both replacements were after the Second World War completed as De Ruyter and De Zeven Provinciën. The 10-15cm guns were protected by open shields in the proposal to be replaced by 4x2-15cm gun turrets. After the bomb on theDutch coastal defence ship De De Zeven Provinciën to end the mutiny on 4 February 1933 it became clear that it was impossible to have 150 men on deck unprotected while a fight was going on. Another advance was that with the use of gun turrets the crew could be decreased with 100 men (30 gunners-10 fire control-60 ammuniton supply) or annualy 150.000 guilders less salaries. Both masts were to be removed, combination of the two funnels into one, bridge superstructure to be replaced by a new one resembling the reserve-cruiser. Total costs 3,000,000 (4 gun turrets with guns, ammuniton supply and range finders 1,5000,000-improved fire control 500,000-conversion ship 1,000,000 guilders. The masts were indeed rebuilt and shortened and anti-air armament improved, but the gun shields were never replaced. She was allready outdated when she was for the first time commissioned.