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Name: EDINBURGH
Type: Cruiser
Keel: 30/12/1936
Launched: 31/03/1938
Completed: 06/07/1939
Builder: Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd
Yard: Wallsend
Yard Number: 1537
Dimensions: 9700disp - 13175disp, 579.0 x 66.0 x 21.3(draft)ft
Engines: 4 x Steam turbines, Parsons type, SR geared, 81631shp
Engines by: Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Co Ltd, Wallsend
Propulsion: 4 x Screws, 32.0knots
Construction: Steel
Armament: 4 x 3 x 6.0ins, 6 x 2 x 4.0ins, 2 x 8 x 2pdr, 2 x 4 x 0.5ins guns;
2 x 3 x 21.0ins torpedoes; 1 x depth charge rail; 2 or 3 x seaplanes
History:
06/07/1939 British Royal Navy
02/05/1942 Sank
Comments: Member of the Town Class of Light Cruisers
30/04/1942: Torpedoed twice, including the stern, by U-Boat U456 whilst she was
covering a convoy from Murmank to UK. Steering gear destroyed.
Taken in tow to Murmansk, but continually attacked by German destroyers & aircraft.
02/05/1942: Torpedoed again. Crew transferred & then scuttled 150 miles N of Murmansk
She was carrying 465 gold ingots, a part payment from the USSR for armaments received
04/1981: Wreck located about 250 miles NNE of the Kola Inlet at a depth of 800 ft
07/10/1981: In a salvage operation, 431 gold ingots worth £43m recovered from the wreck.
1986: A further 29 gold ingots recovered, leaving only 5 unaccounted for.


Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return

Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return

Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum

Above photo is courtesy of Photoship

Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum

Above photo is courtesy of Photoship

Profile & Deck plans courtesy of Dr Dan Saranga. Click HERE to enlarge

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