What if this imposing Y turret could talk? Imagine the stories HMNZS Achilles Y turret could tell. This very turret saw action in one of the most famous naval battles of World War Two. It played a crucial role in the Battle of the River Plate.
HMNZS Achilles was a Leander-class light cruiser. She served in the Royal New Zealand Navy. This warship gained fame during World War Two. The Y turret we see here was part of her armament. The Y turret along with three other turrets, housed powerful six-inch guns.
She was originally HMS Achilles. The ship was built for the Royal Navy. Achilles was commissioned on October 10, 1933. Later, she was loaned to New Zealand. This happened on March 31, 1936. In September 1941, she was recommissioned as HMNZS Achilles. A large portion of her crew were New Zealanders. Around 60 percent of the crew hailed from New Zealand.
The Achilles patrolled the west coast of South America at the start of World War Two. She hunted for German merchant ships. By October 22, 1939, she reached the Falkland Islands. She joined the South American Division under Commodore Henry Harwood.
Early on December 13, 1939, Achilles, Ajax, and Exeter spotted smoke. It was the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee. A fierce battle began. The Achilles sustained some damage. Four crew members died. Captain WE Parry was wounded.
The Graf Spee fled to Montevideo. Achilles and Ajax pursued her. The Graf Spee was scuttled to avoid risking her crew.
Back in Auckland, on February 23, 1940, Achilles received a hero’s welcome. After refitting, she escorted convoys. Later, she joined the ANZAC Squadron in the Pacific.
While near Guadalcanal in January 1943, tragedy struck. Japanese aircraft attacked. One bomb hit X turret. Thirteen sailors died. The Achilles needed extensive repairs. These repairs and modernization happened in Portsmouth, England. During this time, the single 4-inch AA guns were replaced. Modern radar was installed. The damaged X turret was replaced.
After the war, in September 1946, the Achilles returned to the Royal Navy. In 1948, she was sold to the Indian Navy. She was recommissioned as INS Delhi. She served until 1978. Then she was decommissioned for scrap.
As a gift to New Zealand, India presented the Y turret. It now stands here at Devonport Naval Base. It serves as a lasting reminder of HMNZS Achilles. It also reminds us of the brave men who served on her. This Y turret from HMNZS Achilles connects us to a proud naval history.