Cruisers of Australia

[patroclus]

Originally Posted by ludsie

Does anyone know why Australia's twin 4" guns were mounted on her upper deck

I don't know why the twin mountings were originally at upper deck level but they were subsequently raised to the more conventional positions (and lowered again post-war to an in-between height ).

[tjstoneman]

All the photos I've seen of AUSTRALIA after her refit when the twin 4" guns were fitted show them at upper deck level (ie the main continuous weather deck, the one that has "A" and "Y" main armament turrets on it). She was fitted with fairly high splinter shields outboard of each 4" mounting which might give the impression that the turrets were mounted half a deck above the upper deck. Could someone indicate where photos with the twin 4" at the higher level may be found, please?
Tim

[patroclus]

Originally Posted by tjstoneman

All the photos I've seen of AUSTRALIA after her refit when the twin 4" guns were fitted show them at upper deck level (ie the main continuous weather deck, the one that has "A" and "Y" main armament turrets on it). She was fitted with fairly high splinter shields outboard of each 4" mounting which might give the impression that the turrets were mounted half a deck above the upper deck. Could someone indicate where photos with the twin 4" at the higher level may be found, please?
Tim

Hello Tim:

I think you are right on both counts.
I took that bit from a secondary source without checking it.
I have now noticed that the accompanying photo labelled HMAS AUSTRALIA is actually SHROPSHIRE which makes the author's attached comment that AUSTRALIA's 4" twins were "still carried at the higher level" somewhat dubious. The high shields showing over the "zarebas" also seem to be correct. I'm repenting at liesure.