History of  Royal Navy cruisers (heavy cruisers, light cruisers). Royal Navy cruiser website featuring the Leander Class cruiser HMS Achillies including crew and families of ex-crew members notice board for the cruiser HMS Achillies.

HMS Achilles was built by Cammell Laird and launched 1st September 1932. In 1939 HMS Achilles joined the South Atlantic Fleet. Moving to New Zealand in 1940 to 1943, returning again to the Home Fleet 1943 - 1944 and in 1945 joined the Pacific Fleet.  In 1948 was purchased by the Indian Navy becoming RIN Delhi.

Displacement: 7,270 tons   Speed: 32.5kt    Complement: 550

HMS Achilles sent in by Warren Swaine

HMS Achilles a Leander Class Cruiser built by Cammell Laird  and laid down on the 11th June 1931, launched 1st september 1932 and completed 6th October 1933, served with the new Zealand Navy from 1937 to 1943,  HMS Achilles served in the South Atlantic 1939 taking a major role in the battle of the River Plate against the Graf Spee, firing a total of 1242 6-inch shells in the action. receiving splinter damage from near misses.   Loaned to the newly formed New Zealand navy  (along with her sister ship HMS Leander) 1940 to 1943, returning to the home Fleet 1943 - 1944 and then to the Pacific Fleet in 1945.  In 1948 she was sold to the Indian Navy and renamed Delhi. arriving there after refit in September 1948. In the 1953 film Battle of the River Plate she played her self in the film. She again saw service in the action to seize Goa by a small naval force in 1961. Seeing no further service until1969 when she visited Australia, new Zealand and Fiji. after which she was based on harbor duty at Cochin finally being paid of in 1977

Specifications for HMS Achilles

Displacement: 7,030 tons   Speed: 32.5kt    Complement: 550

HMS Achilles, 1934.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1300

HMS Achilles, with HMS Orion, 1934.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1301

Delhi (ex - HMS Achilles), June 1953.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1302

Delhi (ex - HMS Achilles), 1969.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1303

HMS Achilles at Malta 1939.  

Original Wright & Logan Postcard 1939 approx.  Price £18.  Click here to order.    Order Code  PHC409

HMS Achilles which was home for many Wairarapa members shown below. HMS Achilles arrives at Auckland harbor February 23rd 1940. after the River Plate Victory on December 13th 1939. This was the First British warship to go into action manned by New Zealanders. 

HMS Achilles

HMS Achilles

HMS Achilles.

Naval Historians, Crew & Family Noticeboard

HMS Achillies, Notice Board for naval enthusiasts and ex Crew families of HMS Achillies. This website is not part of any governmental body or official websites of HMS Achillies.

Photographs and information on historical events about HMS Achillies requested for this new website. If you have any information you would like to send us including photographs of crew members serving on HMS Achillies and also photographs of the ship pleaseUSE OUR MESSAGE FORM 

MESSAGES

Reginald Philip Jack Shean (pictured left) served on HMS Achillies - dates uncertain.  Information wanted if anyone remembers him. Contact me at EJames7261@aol.com 

DON WESTWOOD.. My father was a higher submarine detector, rank of Petty Officer between 1944-46 and was one of the British contingent on HMS Achilles. If anyone remembers him contact me at Westwoodcd@aol.com 

ALEX DAVIDSON.. looking for any information on former h.m.s. Achilles crew member davidson,alex, 1936-39.  contact here   

The Pursuit of the Graf Spee by Ivan Berryman.

Viewed from beneath the blistered guns of the damaged X and Y turrets of her sister HMS Ajax, Achilles come sunder fire from the pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee during what was to become known as the Battle of the River Plate on the 13th December 1939. Shells from Achilles are closing on her opponent as the Graf Spee alters course at the start of the doomed battleships flight to Montevideo.

Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £95.00

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £130.00

Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00

Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00

Original painting by Ivan Berryman. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £4300.00

Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00