ANS Alke (CL-1914)
The Alke class was a repeat of the Xanthippe class but with the main armament
upgraded from 4" to 6" weapons. The four ships were the most modern cruisers
available at wars start and they would escort the Amazonian Battle Squadron that
would join the Grand Fleet. The next four years would have these ships going
around the North Sea, normally at high speed. These were the last coal fired
cruisers and the last 'broadside' cruisers in the Navy. All four survived World
War One, with only the Alke receiving splinter damage at Jutland.
Like the Xanthippe class these ships were surveyed in the early 1930's as to
their suitability for future service. The Alke class failed their surveys. The
machinery was knackered and needed replacement if they were to be kept. Too much
money involved for 20 year old cruisers, it would be cheaper to build new ships. The four ships were stripped and
scrapped.
Who saw that coming?
The Alke class have to be here as a link to the next Chalcaor class.
| As built | |
| Displacement | 6,300 tons std, 7,600 tons full load |
| Length | 497 ft |
| Breadth | 50 ft |
| Draught | 20 ft |
| Machinery | 2 shaft Steam Turbines 35,000shp |
| Speed | 28 knots |
| Range | 5000 miles at 12 knots |
| Armour | 2.5" side, 2" deck |
| Armament | 7 x 6" (7x1) 2 x 3" (2x1) 2 x 3" AA added 1917 |
| Torpedoes | 4 x 18" (2x2) |
| Aircraft | Nil |
| Complement | 490 |
| Notes | Alke +3 |
Alke was one of the major deities of Amazonian religion.
