HMS Chester (1915)

History
Greece
NameLambros Katsonis
NamesakeLambros Katsonis
BuilderCammell Laird, Birkenhead, England
Laid down7 October 1914
Launched8 December 1915
FateSold to United Kingdom, 1915
United Kingdom
NamesakeChester
Launched8 December 1915
Acquired1915
CommissionedMay 1916
RenamedHMS Chester
FateSold for scrap, 9 November 1921
General characteristics (as built)
Class and typeTown-class light cruiser
Displacement5,185 long tons (5,268 t)
Length
  • 430 ft (131.1 m) p/p
  • 456 ft 6 in (139.1 m) o/a
Beam49 ft 10 in (15.2 m)
Draught15 ft 3 in (4.65 m) (mean)
Installed power
Propulsion4 × shafts; 3 × Parsons steam turbines
Speed26.5 kn (49.1 km/h; 30.5 mph)
Complementabout 500
Armament
Armour

HMS Chester was a Town-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy, one of two ships forming the Birkenhead subtype. Along with sister ship, Birkenhead, she was originally ordered for the Greek Navy in 1914 and was to be named Lambros Katsonis. The order was placed with Cammell Laird and production continued for the Greek account after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914. In 1915 the two cruisers were purchased by the British government. She fought at the Battle of Jutland where casualties included John 'Jack' Cornwell who was awarded the highest honour, aged 16.