HMS Neptune (BB-1909 (1929-mod))

 

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First Royal Navy battleship with a superfiring turret. The lozenge arrangement meant that it was possible for the side mounted turrets to be able to fire to both sides. Class of 5 with 3 Royal Navy and 2 Australis Navy ships. All 5 remained in service in training and other ancillary duties, the Australis ships being made into Area Defence Vessels, the 3 RN ships as training ships.

As training ships the RN vessels were given different supperstructure that mimicked the types of vessels seaman and officers would be trained for. The different weapons, aircraft on some, and different engine/boiler rooms made for interesting challenges for trainees.

All three ships were used as heavy escorts to the faster 12-15 knot convoys that normally carried more important material from Nova Scotia to Liverpool. The aircraft carried were of great use on milder days when they could be launched and recovered without putting the ship at risk.

 

Displacement 20,000 tons std, 23,500 tons full load
Length 566 ft
Breadth 85 ft
Draught 26.3 ft
Machinery 4 shaft , steam turbines, 18,000shp
Speed 16 knots
Range 6000 miles at 12 knots
Armour 11" side, 4" deck, 11" turrets.
Armament Neptune

6x 12 (3x2)

4 x 6" (4x1)

10 x 4" (5x2)

10 x 20mm (2x2 6x1)

 Colussus

6 x 12 (3x2)

12 x 4.5" (6x2)

16 x 2pd (4x4)

6 x 20mm (6x1)

 Hercules

6 x 12" (3x2)

8 x 4.5" (4x2)

12 x 2pd (3x4)

6 x 20mm (6x1)
Aircraft 2 where fitted
Torpedoes nil
Complement 755
Notes  

 

Above: HMS Hercules ready to anchor.  Below: Foredeck, turret and bridge superstructure of Hercules.

 

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