HMS Sheffield was one of the Southampton sub class of the Town-class cruisers of the Royal Navy during the Second World War. She took part in actions against several major German warships. Unlike most Royal Navy ships of her time, her fittings were constructed from stainless steel instead of the more traditional brass. This was an attempt to reduce the amount of cleaning required on the part of the crew. Her nickname, the "Shiny Sheff", stemmed from this. A prototype radar system was placed into service in August 1938 on the Sheffield. It was the first vessel in the Royal Navy to be so equipped.
Sheffield underway in 1944
Image: HMS Sheffield plaque, Sheffield Town Hall
View of an Arctic convoy from Sheffield
Ice forms on a 20-inch signal projector during an Arctic convoy to Russia
Town-class cruiser (1936)
The Town class consisted of 10 light cruisers built for the Royal Navy during the 1930s. The Towns were designed within the constraints of the London Naval Treaty of 1930. The ships were built in the sub-classes, Southampton, Gloucester and Edinburgh, each sub-class adding more weaponry.
Liverpool in 1942
Mk XXII turret with rounded contours mounted on the Southampton sub-class
Mk XXIII turret with squared-off contours mounted on the Edinburgh sub-class
HMS Belfast moored by Tower Bridge