The Amazonian Navy had half a dozen elderly armoured cruisers that needed replacing. They would have to be replaced with the new Treaty cruisers of 10,000 tons and 8" guns. Like the 35,000 ton battleships, most countries found it was almost impossible to produce a useful cruiser on 10,000 tons, the Amazonian's only cheated by 25% and produced a pretty good ship. The first pair completed in 1929 with ships three and four completing in 1930 and 1931. They compared favourably with the other 'Treaty' cruisers of the time. The next class would be different again as Japan abrogates the Treaties and the Navys of the world can build what they want.
The four Androdaixa class were the main gun cruiser Squadron attached to the fleet. One of the four would carry a Commodore or rear Admiral as Squadron Commander who would also be second or third in charge of the fleet depending on how many squadrons of battleships were attached. 1936 and the Squadrons role changed. The newest four cruisers class took their plum position and the Androdaixa Squadron was repurposed as the Aircraft Carrier guard ships. 1939 the Squadron was joined by the Andromache which became Squadron leader, with a rear-admiral aboard. The squadron and the two Antiope Class and Smyrna, aircraft carriers were joined by the two Phillipis and three Penthesilea class battleships and their squadrons escorts to be the largest, most powerful fleet that had ever been assembled by the Amazonian Navy. This Fleet was dispatched 'round the Horn' to join other Allied forces in retaking the Falkland Islands from Argentinian occupation. The task given to the Amazons was to operate along the coast of Argentina and reduce harbour infrastructure, by bombing and gunfire,. Also to capture and/or sink any shipping of Axis forces either merchant or warship. These were orders the Amazons loved and they carried them out with distinction. Coastal cities towns and harbours became rubble under the guns and bombs of the fleet. The Androdaixa and its squadron mates missed out on all the mayhem, they were still the guard ships for the aircraft carriers. Only their anti-aircraft guns saw any action, but just being there allowed the ships to put up the Falklands Islands Battle Star. The four ships would add many more battle stars as the carriers took part in actions in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The continual rounds of refits and repairs went on from almost day one for the four ships. The above drawing is in the ships final guise with final refits to the end of 1943. No further work would be done to the ships unless it was repairing battle damage. The main aim at this stage was to improve the AA capabilities of the ships. The 2 pounder and 20mm cannons were removed in favour of twin and quad 40mm Bofors with radar predictors controlling the mountings. With much more topweight being added in electronics and AA guns, the torpedoes and aircraft handling facilities were removed.
All four survived the war. Being tied to the carriers kept them out of harms way. The worst threat through 1944-45 was from Kamikazes trying to attack the carriers. Second choice was any ship in the road. The four ships went into the reserve fleet till 1950 when they were deleted from the Navy list, and sold for scrap over the next few years.
