HMS Eclipse from the left
|
|
HMS Eclipse was the name ship for the Eclipse class of second class cruisers. At the start of the First World War she was assigned to the 12th Cruiser Squadron, under Admiral Wemyss. This squadron combined with the French 2nd Cruiser Squadron to form Cruiser Force G. This combined force had the task of guarding the
western approaches to the channel. In August 1914 they had the task of stopping any ships that looked like they might be disguised German minelayers attempting to attack the BEF as it crossed the channel. The squadron was also used to escort the first Canadian troop convoy across the Atlantic. By the end of 1915 the Eclipse had been paid off, and was converted to act as an accommodation ship for the submarine flotillas.
Displacement (loaded) |
5,600t |
Top Speed |
19.5kts |
Armour – deck |
3in-1.5in |
- gunshields |
3in |
- engine hatch |
6in |
- conning tower |
6in |
Length |
373ft |
Armaments as built |
Five 6in quick firing guns |
Armament after 1905 |
Eleven 6in guns |
Crew complement |
450 |
Launched |
19 July 1894 |
Completed |
23 March 1897 |
Captains |
|
Sold for break up |
1921 |
‘Rosy’ Wemyss Admiral of the Fleet, John Johnson-Allen.
Looks at the life of one of the less familiar senior British Admirals of the First World War, responsible for many of the successes at Gallipoli, working with the Arab Revolt and who ended the war as First Sea Lord and helped to negotiate the armistice that ended the First World War, after a peacetime career that included leisurely state visits and time setting up the naval college at Osborne on the Isle of Wight (Read Full Review)
