Second Battle of Heligoland Bight Renown-class battlecruiser

over course of 1917 admiralty became more concerned german efforts in north sea sweep paths through british-laid minefields intended restrict actions of high seas fleet , german submarines. preliminary raid on german minesweeping forces on 31 october light forces destroyed ten small ships , admiralty decided on larger operation destroy minesweepers , escorting light cruisers. based on intelligence reports admiralty decided on 17 november 1917 allocate 2 light cruiser squadrons, 1st cruiser squadron covered reinforced 1st bcs (less renown) and, more distantly, battleships of 1st battle squadron operation.

repulse in august 1918

the german ships, 4 light cruisers of ii scouting force, 8 destroyers, 3 divisions of minesweepers, 8 sperrbrechers (cork-filled trawlers, used detonate mines without sinking) , 2 trawlers mark swept route, spotted @ 7:30 a.m., silhouetted rising sun. light battlecruiser courageous , light cruiser cardiff opened fire forward guns 7 minutes later. germans responded laying effective smoke screen. british continued in pursuit, lost track of of smaller ships in smoke , concentrated fire on light cruisers opportunity permitted. repulse detached not long after , raced forward @ full speed engage enemy ships. opened fire @ 9:00, scoring single hit on light cruiser sms königsberg during battle. when german battleships sms kaiser , sms kaiserin spotted 9:50 british broke off pursuit , repulse covered retreat, aided heavy fog came down around 10:40.

in september 1917 repulse became first capital ship fitted aircraft flying-off platforms on turrets. sopwith pup took off platform mounted on b turret on 1 october , repeated achievement on 9 october y turret. renown received platforms in 1918.

on 12 december 1917 renown put sea other elements of fleet in unsuccessful attempt intercept german 3rd half-flotilla of destroyers had destroyed scandinavian convoy , of escorts. rest of war 2 ships patrolled north sea uneventfully. both ships present @ surrender of high seas fleet @ scapa flow on 21 november 1918.

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