HMS Exeter 1929-1942: Pride of the West Country

HMS Exeter was a York Class cruiser designed within the limits of the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty. Prior to WWII she spent 10 years ‘showing the flag’ on naval diplomatic cruises, crewed in the main by sailors from the West of England.

Following her triumphant role in the Battle of the River Plate she transferred to the Eastern Fleet based at Singapore, before facing, and succumbing to, the full fury of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the battles of the Java Sea. Her tale is one of Triumph, Tribulation and Tragedy. Join us for the latest talk from BRLSI’s regular Military History programme.

David Verghese