HMS Vengeance (BB-1941)
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The Vanguard type had been created from the re-use of
refurbished turrets, those turrets being twin and triple 15". However a dozen
13.5" twin turrets were also available to be fitted into new ships in a similar
style. The turrets would be refurbished to bring them up to modern standards.
Range and weight of shell. Range would be extended by raising the elevation of
the guns, and firepower would be kept with the heavy 1400 pound shell.
Eventually three ships were produced, two in the United Kingdom (HMS Vengeance
and HMS Vigilant) and one in Australis (HMAS New Zealand).
1941 and the Vengeance finishes its work-up period in May 1941 and is sent to
join Force H, where its speed should allow it to run down and sink Italian
cruisers. The ships heavy AA battery would also be of use in the Mediterranean
theater. Vengeance returned to the UK in 1942 to be refitted, this included
removing the aircraft handling facilities, placing the ships boats in that area
and enhancing the heavy AA with another pair of 8 barrel pom-pom's. On
completion of this refit, the Vengeance joined the Vigilant and Indomitable to
become Force 'F'. On completion of the Illustrious' refit of 1942 it was also
allocated to Force 'F'.
The UK based vessels used Fairey Swordfish, the Australis ship used the
Supermarine Walrus.
| Displacement |
33,500 tons std, 39,500 tons full load |
| Length |
742 feet |
| Breadth |
96 feet |
| Draught |
31 feet |
| Machinery |
4 shaft, geared turbines, 150,000shp |
| Speed |
32 knots |
| Range |
7,500 miles at 16 knots |
| Armour |
12" side, 5.5" deck, 12"-8" turrets. |
| Armament |
8 x 13.5" (4x2)
20 x 4.5" (10x2)
56 x 2pd (7x8)
30 x 20mm (30x1) |
| Aircraft |
2 |
| Torpedoes |
nil |
| Complement |
1450 |
| Notes |
HMS Vengeance (03/1941)
HMS Venerable (07/1941)
HMAS New Zealand (03/1942) |
Old drawing of original 'Tiger' class.
.PNG)
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