HMS Spartan (95)

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (June 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Spartan newly completed off Barrow-in-Furness, August 1943
History
United Kingdom
Name	Spartan
Builder	Vickers-Armstrongs, Barrow-in-Furness
Laid down	21 December 1939
Launched	27 August 1942
Completed	10 August 1943
Commissioned	12 July 1943[note 1]
Fate	Sunk 29 January 1944
General characteristics (as built)
Class and type	Dido-class light cruiser
Displacement	5,950 long tons (6,050 t) (standard) 7,200 long tons (7,300 t) (full load)
Length	485 ft (148 m) p.p. 512 ft (156 m) o/a
Beam	50 ft 6 in (15.39 m)
Draught	14 ft (4.3 m)
Installed power	62,000 shp (46,000 kW)
Propulsion	4 × Parsons geared turbines 4 × Admiralty 3-drum boilers 4 × shafts
Speed	32.25 knots (59.73 km/h; 37.11 mph)
Range	1,500 mi (2,400 km) at 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) 4,240 mi (6,820 km) at 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Complement	530
Armament	8 × dual purpose guns (4x2) 12 × 2-pounder anti-aircraft guns (3x4) 12 × 20 mm anti-aircraft cannons (6x2) 6 × 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes (2x3)
Armour	Belt: 3 in (7.6 cm) Deck: 1 in (2.5 cm) Magazines: 2 in (5.1 cm) Bulkheads: 1 in (2.5 cm)

HMS Spartan was a Dido-class light cruiser of the Bellona subgroup of the Royal Navy. She was a modified Dido design with only four turrets but improved anti-aircraft armament - also known as Dido Group 2.

Construction and commissioning

Spartan was built by

On the night of 18–19 January 1944 Spartan carried out a diversionary bombardment in the Terracina area, and—with the cruiser Orion and four destroyers—provided useful supporting fire during the Garigliano River Operations. There was only minor opposition from shore batteries, and during the bombardment Spartan alone fired 900 rounds.

On 27 January she was ordered to report to CTF 81 for anti-aircraft protection duties off Anzio. At sunset on 29 January the Luftwaffe began a glide bomb attack on the ships in Anzio Bay. At the time of the attack Spartan was anchored. Smoke had been ordered in the anchorage but was not fully effective owing to the short time it was in operation and the strong breeze. Spartan was making smoke from stem to stern but was not herself covered.

About 18 aircraft approached from the north and circling over land, delivered a beam attack against the ships that were silhouetted against the afterglow. Due to the timing of the attack the aircraft were seen only by very few, and radar was ineffective owing to land echoes.

By the time the warning had been received and the ships had opened fire in the general direction of the attack, six bombs were already approaching the anchorage, most of them falling into the water. But at about 18:00 a radio-controlled

References

Bibliography

• Campbell, N.J.M. (1980). "Great Britain". In Chesneau, Roger (ed.). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946. New York: Mayflower Books. pp. 2–85.
  ISBN 0-8317-0303-2
  .
• Colledge, J. J.; Warlow, Ben & Bush, Steve (2020). Ships of the Royal Navy: The Complete Record of all Fighting Ships of the Royal Navy from the 15th Century to the Present (5th revised and updated ed.). Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing.
  ISBN 978-1-5267-9327-0
  .
• ISBN 978-1-59114-078-8
  .
• ISBN 1-55750-048-7
  .
• Raven, Alan & Roberts, John (1980). British Cruisers of World War Two. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press.
  ISBN 0-87021-922-7
  .
• ISBN 1-59114-119-2
  .
• ISBN 1-86019-874-0
  .

Wikimedia Commons has media related to HMS Spartan (95).

• HMS Spartan at Uboat.net
• A history of HMS Spartan

41°26′2″N 12°41′2″E / 41.43389°N 12.68389°E / 41.43389; 12.68389