Naval History Forums

Hi guys. Take a look at this photo:

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item ... /205185581

It is captioned as an Oerlikon and a thrower on HMS Hermione. Did the Didos carry depth charges?

Regards

Hello Marcelo,

Like many other British cruisers, the Dido class had retractable Asdic domes and a limited capacity depth charge rack at the stern. There was no thought of them being really effective U-Boat hunters, since their long speedy hulls limited their ability to manoeuvre to place their stern accurately over the target. They could however carry out "scare" attacks while escorting other ships.

There is also a small rack at the stern of Prinz Eugen for similar reasons, so it is not just the British.

The thrower is an unusual fitment for a cruiser.

All the best

wadinga

Thanks wadinga! Strange that the common sources (Whitley cruisers, even Raven&Roberts) don´t even list it.

Regards