Light cruisers

Arethusa class

4 ships

The Arethusa class light cruiser HMS Arethusa.

Type	Light cruiser
Displacement	5220 BRT Aurora, Penelope 5270 BRT
Length	506 feet (oa)
Complement	450 men
Armament	6 6" guns (3x2) 8 4" AA guns (4x2), 4 4" AA guns (4x1) in Arethusa 8 .5" MG AA (2x4) 6 21" torpedo tubes (2x3) 1 aircraft (not fitted in Aurora) 1 catapult (not fitted in Aurora)
Max speed	32.25 knots
Engines	Geared turbines, 4 shafts
Power	64000 HP
Notes on class	A smaller version of the Leander class. All had 2 quadruple 2pdr's fitted in 1940 or 1941. Arehusa received 8 4" AA guns in twin mountings like her sisterships in early 1942. The light Anti-Aircraft armament was gradually increased as the war progressed.

All ships of the Arethusa class:

Royal Navy (more on Royal Navy)

HMS Arethusa (26)
HMS Aurora (12)
HMS Galatea (71) (lost 15 Dec 1941)
HMS Penelope (97) (lost 18 Feb 1944)

2 light cruisers of the Arethusa class lost.

Arethusa class ships hit by U-boats (2)
15 Dec 1941	HMS Galatea	Sunk	U-557
18 Feb 1944	HMS Penelope	Sunk	U-410