HMS Eclipse

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

HMS Eclipse from the left
HMS Eclipse from the left

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
Six 4.7in quick firing guns
Six 3pdr quick firing guns
Two machine guns
Three 18in torpedo tubes

Armament after 1905

Eleven 6in guns
Three 12pdr guns
Three 18in torpedo tubes

Crew complement

450

Launched

19 July 1894

Completed

23 March 1897

Captains

 

Sold for break up

1921

Books on the First World War | Subject Index: First World War

How to cite this article: Rickard, J (11 November 2007), HMS Eclipse, http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_HMS_Eclipse.html

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