Entering service between 1937 and 1939, the ten British "Town" class cruisers were the most modern vessels of their type in the Royal Navy when World War II began. Built in response to large 6-inch gunned cruisers in the U.S. and Japanese navies and primarily designed for the defense of trade, they saw arduous service in a wide range of roles, playing a decisive part in victories such as the Battle of the Barents Sea and the destruction of the German Navy's Scharnhorst at the North Cape. The cost was heavy: four of the ships were lost and the other six all survived heavy damage, in some cases on more than one occasion.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Class origins -- The design process -- From construction to delivery -- Design description -- Wartime improvements -- Wartime operations & performance -- Post-war requirements & repair -- Post-war operations & disposal -- Evaluation -- Appendix 1 : Camouflage & appearance -- Appendix 2 : Supermarine walrus -- Appendix 3 : Battle honours.