British Light Cruiser HMS Southampton (1937) Pre-War
HMS Southampton was the lead ship of the Southampton subclass of the Town-class light cruisers, launched in 1936 and commissioned in March 1937. Her main armament consisted of twelve 6-inch guns mounted in four triple turrets, supported by anti-aircraft weapons and torpedo tubes.
At the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, Southampton served with the Home Fleet and participated in patrols in the North Sea. She was involved in operations against German naval forces and helped intercept enemy shipping. In 1940 she took part in the Norwegian Campaign, supporting Allied troops during the fighting around Norway. Later that year she joined Force H in the Mediterranean, where British naval forces attempted to protect convoys and challenge Italian naval operations.
She participated in the Battle of Cape Spartivento in November 1940 and carried out bombardments and convoy escort duties around Malta and North Africa. However, increasing German air power posed a serious threat to British warships operating in confined Mediterranean waters.
On 11 January 1941, while returning from operations near Malta, Southampton was attacked by German Junkers Ju 87 “Stuka” dive bombers. Several bombs struck the cruiser, causing devastating fires and severe damage. Despite determined efforts by her crew to save the ship, the fires became uncontrollable. After the crew was evacuated, Southampton was scuttled by torpedoes from HMS Gloucester and HMS Orion.