British Heavy Cruisers 1939–45

The idea of a heavy cruiser emerged in the aftermath of World War I and was closely linked to the limits set by the inter-war Washington Naval Treaty. The pre-World War I concept of armoured cruisers had been abandoned, but in their stead, the Admiralty saw a place for powerful cruisers. These were able to patrol the sea lanes of the British Empire and were well-armed enough to destroy enemy commerce cruisers.

The result was a group of British warships, known as the 'Washington Treaty Cruisers', that did everything the Admiralty wanted while conforming to the treaty's limits. These impressive cruisers were high-sided, spacious, and stately—perfect peacetime ambassadors for British power. In wartime, they also packed a considerable punch.

During World War II, the Royal Navy's thirteen heavy cruisers saw service in every theatre of the war. Whether facing the Bismarck in the North Atlantic or enduring kamikaze attacks in the Pacific, they proved their worth on numerous occasions.

British Heavy Cruisers 1939–45 by Angus Konstam details these formidable warships' significant role and contributions throughout the war, providing a comprehensive overview of their design, deployment, and wartime operations.