description HMS Cornwall (56) Overview
HMS Cornwall (pennant number 56) was a County-class heavy cruiser of the Royal Navy, launched in 1926 and commissioned in 1928. The ship displaced approximately 10,000 tons and carried eight 8-inch guns in four twin turrets. During World War II, Cornwall served in the Indian Ocean and was sunk on 5 April 1942 by Japanese carrier-based dive bombers during the Indian Ocean Raid near Ceylon. Approximately 190 crew members were killed and over 400 survivors were rescued by British vessels.
help HMS Cornwall (56) FAQ
How was HMS Cornwall sunk during World War II?
HMS Cornwall was sunk by Japanese carrier-based dive bombers on 5 April 1942 during the Indian Ocean Raid, also known as the Ceylon Raid. Aircraft from Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo's carrier strike force overwhelmed the cruiser with minimal warning, sending her to the bottom in approximately ten minutes.
Was HMS Cornwall sunk alongside another British cruiser?
Yes, HMS Dorsetshire was sunk in the same attack on 5 April 1942, roughly 200 nautical miles southwest of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). Both cruisers were caught without air cover and were struck by dozens of bombs from Japanese Aichi D3A dive bombers operating from carriers including the Akagi and Hiryu.
What class of warship was HMS Cornwall?
HMS Cornwall was a County-class heavy cruiser of the Royal Navy with pennant number 56. The County class was designed in the late 1920s to comply with Washington Naval Treaty tonnage restrictions, trading heavier armor for long range and a main armament of eight 8-inch guns.
How many crew members were lost when HMS Cornwall sank?
Approximately 190 crew members were killed when HMS Cornwall went down on 5 April 1942. Survivors were rescued by the British destroyers HMS Paladin and HMS Panther, which arrived at the scene shortly after the attack.
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