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The Indefatigable class battlecruisers were very similar to the earlier Invincible class battlecruisers. HMS Indefatigable was built under the 1908 naval construction programme, while the Australia and the New Zealand were funded by the respective Dominion governments and their construction overlapped with that of the superior Lion class ships. The new ships were longer than the Invincible class ships, which gave more space for their amidships turrets, giving then a wider arc of fire when firing across the ship. The weaknesses that would later discredit the British battlecruisers would not become apparent until the battle of Jutland, six years after the Australia and New Zealand were laid down.
The two dominion ships had a slightly better layout of armour, with no belt armour at the bow and stern, but thicker armour by the sides of the fore and aft turrets (“A” and “X”). They were also given slightly more powerful engines. They were further modified after the battle of Jutland, when their deck armour was improved.
HMS Indefatigable was in the Mediterranean at the start of the First World War, taking part in the unsuccessful attempt to catch the German battlecruiser Goeben. She then took part in the first bombardment of the Dardanelles forts on 3 November 1914. She returned to Britain early in 1915, joining the Grand Fleet. At the battle of Jutland she was hit by 11in shells from the Von der Tann, exploding with the loss of all but two of her crew.
HMS New Zealand was paid for by New Zealand, but served with the Grand Fleet. She took part in the battle of Heligoland Bight (1914), the battle of Dogger Bank (1915), the battle of Jutland (1916) and the action of Heligoland Bight (1917).
HMS Australia was paid for by Australia, and served as the flagship of the Australian fleet. At the start of the First World War she supported the New Zealand and Australian expeditions that captured Samoa and German New Guinea, before being sent across the Pacific as part of the concentration against Admiral von Spee. After the battle of the Falklands she joined the Grand Fleet, serving as the flagship of the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron. She missed the battle of Jutland after colliding with HMS New Zealand on 22 April 1916.
Displacement (loaded) |
22,110t |
Top Speed |
25kts |
Range |
6,330 nautical miles at 10kts |
Armour – deck |
2.5i-1in |
- belt |
6in-4in |
- bulkheads |
4in |
- barbettes |
7in-3in |
- turret faces |
7in |
- conning tower |
10in |
Length |
590ft |
Armaments |
Eight 12in Mk X guns |
Crew complement |
800 |
Launched |
1909-1911 |
Completed |
1911-1912 |
Ships in class |