HNLMS De Ruyter
HNLMS De Ruyter, the seventh Dutch naval vessel to bear the name of Admiral Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter, was a unique light cruiser of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Initially conceived during a period of financial constraints and pacifist influence, the vessel's design evolved from a modest 5,000-long-ton (5,100 t) concept to incorporate enhanced armament and armor protection.
Design and Construction
Construction began on September 16, 1933, at the Wilton-Fijenoord dockyard in Schiedam. During the design phase, the ship received significant upgrades including an additional gun turret and improved armor plating. The vessel was commissioned on October 3, 1936, under the command of Captain A.C. van de Sande Lacoste.
Service and Final Battle
De Ruyter participated in the Battle of Badung Strait on February 18, 1942. Her final engagement came during the Battle of the Java Sea on February 28, 1942, where she was struck by a Type 93 torpedo fired by the Japanese cruiser Haguro at approximately 23:40. The resulting fire led to her sinking around 02:30 the following morning, claiming 345 lives, including Admiral Doorman and Captain Lacomble.
Discovery and Legacy
The wreck was discovered by specialist divers on December 1, 2002, and designated as a war grave. The ship's bells were recovered, with one now preserved in the Kloosterkerk in The Hague. Along with the wrecks of Java and Kortenaer, the site has reportedly been subject to unauthorized salvage operations using explosives, causing distress to families of the fallen sailors.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | 3 × Parsons geared steam turbines 6 × Yarrow boilers 2 × shafts |
| Speed | 32 knots (59 km/h) |
| Range | 6,800 nautical miles |
| Complement | 435 personnel |
| Armament | 7 × 150 mm (5.9 in) guns 10 × 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns 8 × 12.7 mm Browning machine guns |
| Armor | Belt: 5 cm Deck: 3 cm Turrets: 3 cm |
| Aircraft | 2 × Focker C-11 floatplanes 1 × catapult |