Allied Warships

Heavy cruisers

York class

2 ships


The heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (68) of the Royal Navy. She was lost on 1 Mar 1942.

Technical information

TypeHeavy cruiser
Displacement 
Length575 feet (oa) 
Complement600 men 
Armament1939; 6 8" guns (3x2)
4 4" AA guns (4x1)
2 2pdr AA (2x1)
6 21" torpedo tubes (2x3)
York 1 aircraft, Exeter 2 aircraft
1 catapult 
Max speed32 knots
EnginesGeared turbines, 4 shafts 
Power80000 HP 
Notes on classDisplacement;
York 8250 tons,
Exeter 8390 tons.

smaller version of the County classes, but with better protection. Much improved armour protection over machinery spaces in this class was probably the vital element that saved Exeter at the Battle of the River Plate. A main armament of three twin 8-inch turrets instead of four permitted a reduction in length of 50ft and in weight of about 17 per cent compared with the Kents. Exeter had straight masts and funnels. Exeter's bridge structure was of the "box" type (next seen in the Leander-class light cruisers).

Exeter's single 4" AA guns were replaced by twin mounts during her refit following the Battle of the River Plate. Also 2 8-barrelled 2pdr's were fitted. 

Royal Navy Royal Navy ships of the York class

To see all York class ships click here.

HMS Exeter (68) Lost on 1 Mar 1942
HMS York (90) Lost on 26 Mar 1941


2 Heavy cruisers of the York class. 2 of them were lost.

Full wartime service history on this vessel.

See all Royal Navy Heavy cruiser classes.


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