RZS Gondor (BC-1917)

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1912 and the Tiger and Kongo class battlecruisers are being laid down, Both Australia and Zealandia lay down a pair of battlecruisers each. Zealandia lays down the Gondor (03/1913) and Eriador (11/1913), with completion slated for 1917-18. With the out break of war, the Gondor (being closer to completion) was placed on double shifts while Eriador remained at single shifts. 1916 and Gondor is reduced to single shifts while Eriador is suspended after Jutland. Gondor is completed in 02/1917, and uses the voyage from Zealandia to Scapa Flow (via the Panama Canal) as a shakedown cruise. On arrival at Scapa Flow, the Gondor is allocated to the Scouting Force as Flagship and flies the flag of Admiral Goodenough. Despite several alarms and plenty of sea time, no action with German ships happened. The Gondor was part of the escort fleet that covered the surrendering German ships accross the North Sea to internment at Scapa Flow in early 1919. The uncompleted Eriador was to be scrapped but the order was rescinded in late 1918 and the ship was to be converted to Zealandia's first Aircraft Carrier (see Eriador).



During the 1920's and 1930's the AZAC fleets drill together. More and more with the Japanese as the 'enemy'. On completion of the Isengard, the Gondor was taken in hand for a life extension rebuild.

The rebuilding of the Gondor was quite comprehensive with virtually everything from B to X turrets being removed and replaced. New bow, new bridge superstructures, new heavy AA battery (4.5" twins), new light AA (octuple 2pd mountings and 20mm in singles and twins), new main deck armour, new propulsion system (3rd set of Isengard class machinery), new gunnery directors, full radar suite added after completion of rebuild as the set for Gondor was not available. Aircraft handling facilities. With the extra weight placed aboard and to maintain stability, bulges were fitted.

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