HMS Colombo (D89)

HMS Colombo (D89) was a C-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy, commissioned in 1919 and serving through World War II. She was one of the Ceres sub-class, an improvement over the earlier Caroline-class.

Service History:

HMS Colombo served primarily on the China Station during the interwar years. These postings were common for ships of her type, providing a Royal Navy presence in the region.

With the outbreak of World War II, Colombo was initially deployed on convoy escort duties in the Atlantic. She participated in the hunt for German commerce raiders and provided escort for troop transports.

Later in the war, HMS Colombo saw service in the Indian Ocean. She contributed to operations against Japanese forces and escorted convoys in the region.

Colombo survived the war and was decommissioned in 1948. She was subsequently sold for scrap.

Characteristics:

C-class cruisers like HMS Colombo were designed for speed and scouting roles. They were lightly armored but carried a substantial armament of 6-inch guns. Key features included:

• Displacement: Approximately 4,190 tons (standard)
• Length: Approximately 450 feet
• Beam: Approximately 43 feet
• Armament: Typically included six 6-inch guns, two 3-inch anti-aircraft guns, and torpedo tubes. The anti-aircraft armament was often upgraded during her service.
• Speed: Capable of speeds around 29 knots.