H.M.S. Alcantara
F.88
1941
(Albatros ALK-127)
- Class: Armed Merchant Cruiser
- Displacement: 22,181 tons
- Dimensions: 666 x 78 x 31 ft.
- Machinery: Geared steam turbines, twin screw, 20,000 SHP = 18 knots
- Armament: 8-6in (8x1), 2-12pdr AA (3x1), 2-20mm AA (3x1) guns
- Complement:
- Builder: Harland & Wolff, Limited, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Launched: 1927
- Commissioned: 20 Dec 1939
- Service: Built for Royal Mail Lines, British flag. Southampton-east coast of South America service. Maiden voyage 4 Mar 1927 Southampton-La Plata. Originally with Burmeister & Wain diesels; rebuilt and re-engined, 1934; given taller funnels. Became an armed merchant cruiser, 1939, with the addition of eight old 6in guns, half unshielded, and forward dummy funnel removed. Encountered the German merchant raider Thor on 28 Jul 1940 and during a 35-minute engagement both ships were damaged, but Thor managed to escape. Alcantara made Freetown, and then went to UK for full repairs, including installation of eight newer 6in guns, all shielded and with greater range, plus some light AA as shown here. Became a troopship in 1943. Overhauled and refitted 1947-48; resumed South American service, 8 Oct 1948. Scrapped in Japan, 1958.
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