HMSAS Bloemfontein (CLA-1912)
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While the Royal Navy converted its old Town class cruisers to seconday escort and minelaying duties the Southern African Navy converted their 3 to Anti-aircraft cruisers as that was their most pressing need, escorts for the Battlefleet. All three ships were being used with the fire support fleet which included the CVE Lesotho. The 4.5" gun was used in single AA mountings, in the open, or in a tub. Various light AA weapons were fitted as they were available.
The ships spent there war operating as escorts to the various light fleet (slower) units where their lack of speed was not such a problem. Normally one of these ships would be paired with a Pretoria class escort carrier and would hold the escort commander.
| Displacement | 5,000 tons std 6,500 tons full load |
| Length | 458 ft |
| Breadth | 49 ft |
| Draught | 15.5 ft |
| Machinery | 2 shaft steam turbines, 24,500shp |
| Speed | 25 knots |
| Range | 3000 miles at 18 knots |
| Armour | 3" side, 1" deck |
| Armament | 7 x 4.5" (7x1) 4 x 2pd (1x4) 8 x 20mm (4x2) |
| Mines | nil |
| Torpedoes | 4 x 21" (2x2) |
| Complement | 450 |
| Notes | HMSAS Bloemfontein (1912) |
