Allied Warships

Light cruisers

Arethusa class

4 ships


The light cruiser HMS Arethusa (26) of the Royal Navy.

Technical information

TypeLight cruiser
Displacement5220 BRT

Aurora, Penelope 5270 BRT 

Length506 feet (oa) 
Complement450 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 speed32.25 knots
EnginesGeared turbines, 4 shafts 
Power64000 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 sister ships in early 1942. The light Anti-Aircraft armament was gradually increased as the war progressed. 

Royal Navy Royal Navy ships of the Arethusa class

To see all Arethusa class ships click here.

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


4 Light cruisers of the Arethusa class. 2 of them were lost.

Full wartime service history on this vessel.

See all Royal Navy Light cruiser classes.


Arethusa class ships hit by U-boats (2)

15 Dec 1941HMS GalateaSunkU-557
18 Feb 1944HMS PenelopeSunkU-410

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