The Sparta class cruisers grew out of the previous Andros class cruisers. The number of guns rose from seven to nine requiring a bigger ship. The first ships were laid down in 1910 and completed in 1912. Further ships of the class were ordered in 1911, and 1912, completing in 1913 to 1915. The class made it through WW1 unscathed with only the Persia taking any damage when it intercepted and sunk the German cruiser Konigsberg in early 1915, as the Konigsberg tried to break the blockade around the Cape of Good Hope and join the Emden in the Indian Ocean. Emden was brought to order by HMAS Sydney and sunk.
The first two ships, Sparta and Persia, served as gun cruisers till 1932 when they were reduced to training cruisers. The other four units were taken in hand in 1938 and 1939 for conversion to the new type of ship, the anti-aircraft cruiser. The old single low angle 4.5" mounts were removed and replaced with three twin power operated 4.5" dual purpose turrets. Though reduced to six guns, the speed of loading and operation meant that those six guns were as good as twelve of the old guns. New bridge superstructure and masts to take the modern radar and other electronic equipment were also fitted.
As completed 1912:
Displacement: 3,550 tons normal, 4,350 tons full load.
Dimensions: 434 x 47 x 15 feet
Machinery: 2 shaft, steam turbines (oil fired), 35,000shp
Speed: 28 knots
Endurance: 4,000 miles at 15 knots.
Armour: 3 belt, 1 deck.
Armament:
9 x 4.5 (9x1)
4 x mgs AA (4x1)
4 x 18 TT (2x2)
Crew: 300
As rebuilt as AA cruisers 1939-41
Displacement: 3,750 tons normal, 4,550 tons full load.
Dimensions: 434 x 47 x 15 feet
Machinery: 2 shaft, steam turbines (oil fired), 35,000shp
Speed: 28 knots
Endurance: 4,000 miles at 15 knots.
Armour: 3 belt, 1 deck,
Armament:
6 x 4.5 (4x2)
14 x 40mm (7x2)
4 x 18" torpedoes (2x2)
Crew: 310
ARS Sparta (1912) Service/Fate:
ARS Persia (1912) Service/Fate:
ARS Macedonia (1913) Service/Fate:
ARS Thrace (1914) Service/Fate:
ARS Argos (1915) Service/Fate:
ARS Thessaly (1915) Service/Fate: