Sapphire Class Cruisers.

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The four Gem class protected cruisers were important ships to the future wealth of Atlantis. Their primary role was as trade protection cruisers, but twice a year two of the ships would be loaded with the gold and gem production that would be sent for sale to London and Holland. It would take a powerful force to intercept these 'wealth' runs.

The Gems were 365x58 feet and 5,500 tons displacement. 10,000hp triple expansion engines gave the ships a 20 knot maximum speed. Armour was limited to a 2" deck, while the magazines and other vitals also had 2" armour protection in a box system. The armament was strong with 6x6.4" in single turrets and 8x75mm guns. Four submerged 18" torpedo tubes were also fitted.



 

During WW1 the four Gems were mainly used as convoy escorts. Two were seconded to RN service and were used as escorts to the North Atlantic convoys. The other two initially spent time in the South Atlantic hunting German Merchant raiders. Once those were cleared, the two ships covered convoys from Atlantis to Gibraltar.

One ship of the class was lost, the Diamond, which was torpedoed by a U-boat 50 miles west of Gibraltar. The other three ships were scrapped in the early 1920's.

Displacement: 4,400 tons normal, 5,500 tons full load
Dimensions: 365 x 58 x 22 feet
Machinery: 2 shaft, triple expansion, 10,000ihp
Speed: 20 knots
Endurance: 5,000 miles at 10 knots
Armour: 2" deck, other vitals 2" box round machinery and magazines.
Armament:
6 x 6.4" (6x1)
7 x 75mm (7x1)
Crew: 450

AWS Sapphire - Service/Fate:

AWS Diamond -

AWS Ruby -

AWS Emerald -

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