After the success of our article on the largest battleships of all time, we received a lot of requests for a similar article on cruisers. So without further delay, Navy General Board presents the twelve largest cruisers of World War 2 !

16. USS Wichita (13,015 Long tons)

In commission – 1939
Displacement – 10,589 Long tons (Full load – 13,015 Long tons)
Length – 608′ 4″
Beam – 61′ 9″

Starting off our list is the cruiser Wichita of the United States Navy. A unique one-off cruiser design, Wichita was the last of the so called “Treaty cruisers”, cruisers built to abide by the 10,000 ton limit set by the London Naval Treaty. Despite being 500 tons over the treaty limit, Wichita put on additional weight as the war went on. Eventually, she reached over 13,000 tons by the end of World War II.
Wichita differed from her predecessors as she was built to rectify problems with previous heavy cruisers. Wichita was built upon a hull derived from the Brooklyn class light cruisers. This hull gave Wichita higher freeboard, resulting in a ship with superior seaworthiness and more interior volume. Her superstructure was also designed to be more compact, giving her guns better firing arcs and reducing the amount of armor needed. She also was the first US heavy cruiser to convert to three-gun turrets (The guns being individually sleeved) in addition to mounting the excellent 5″/38 dual-purpose gun.

Wichita was a successful design and served as the template for all future United States heavy cruisers. However, she is a lightweight compared to the other ships found in this article.

15. Town Class Cruiser (13,175 Long tons)

In Commission – 1937
Displacement – 11,550 Long tons (Full Load – 13,175 Long tons)
Length – 613′ 6″
Beam – 63′ 4″

The first light cruisers on our list are the Town class cruisers of the Royal Navy. Ten of these successful vessels were produced in three subclasses. Initially, the Town class cruisers were 591′ in length with a 62′ beam. Despite their impressive capabilities, the first ships still managed to meet the 10,000 ton treaty limit. The final two ships of the class, Belfast and Edinburg, were enlarged. Growing to a length of 614′ and widening the beam to 64′, they also saw an increase of displacement to 11,550 tons standard. By the end of the World War II, they had grown to 13,175 tons, making them sizable warships.

The Town class cruisers saw action throughout the entirety of the Second World War, perhaps more than any other class of cruiser. They helped hunt the German battleship Bismarck, escorted vital convoys through the Mediterranean, and fought the Japanese in the Pacific. They were well armed and armoured, comparing favorably with most of their peers prior to World War II. Even by the end of the War, they were still potent warships. While not the last British cruisers, the Town class were the most well known for their impressive service in the Second World War.

14. St. Louis Class (13,327 Long tons)

In commission – 1939
Displacement – 10,000 Long tons (Full Load – 13,327 Long tons)
Length – 608′ 4″
Beam – 61′ 7″

Just as the cruiser Wichita was a refinement of heavy cruiser design, the St. Louis class cruisers were a refinement over previous United States light cruisers. Another of the Treaty cruisers, at standard load the St. Louis class was about 10,000 tons. However, the ships still had room to grow as by the end of the Second World War, St. Louis had reached a displacement of 13,327 tons.

The two ships of the St. Louis class were similar to the previous Brooklyn class, but incorporated several refinements. The latest power plants were included, increasing speed and range. The machinery was staggered, preventing the loss of power due to a single hit. They were also the first cruisers to carry the excellent 5″/38 dual-purpose guns in twin mounts. Like the Brooklyn class, the St. Louis class retained the fifteen 6″/47 guns in five triple turrets. The St. Louis class could unleash a hailstorm of fire onto a target and even the Japanese developed a respect for the firepower these cruisers were known for.

The St. Louis class were impressive ships, however the were not the largest nor the most powerful United States cruisers. Those ships will be found later on in the article.

13. Trento Class (13,334 Long Tons)

In commission – 1928
Displacement – 10,344 Long tons (Full Load – 13,334 Long tons)
Length – 646′
Beam – 67′ 7″

The first heavy cruisers built by the Italian Navy, the Trento class were powerful ships with a high speed in excess of 31 knots. Two ships of the class were built with the names Trento and Trieste. Lightly armoured, but very fast, the cruisers would serve as the foundation for all of the following cruisers built by Italy.

Designed during the early 1920s, the Trento class were ordered to counter new French cruisers coming into service. They featured a heavy battery of eight 8″ (203mm) guns in four twin turrets. A secondary battery of sixteen 100mm guns provided heavy anti-aircraft firepower. This level of firepower was competitive with contemporary cruisers though the Trento class were woefully unprotected. On the other hand, a powerful 150,000shp powerplant allowed the ships to outrun most of their potential adversaries.

The Trento class cruisers are the first Italian cruisers to make the list. However, they were far from being the largest and only take the thirteenth spot.

12. Algérie (13,641 Long Tons)

In commission – 1931
Displacement – 10,000 Long tons (Full Load – 13,641 Long tons)
Length – 611′
Beam – 66′

The sole member of her class, Algérie was built in response to the Italian Zara class heavy cruisers. Algérie was specifically designed to have improved armor protection compared to previous French cruisers. Compared to the previous Suffren class, Algérie had almost twice the armor thickness on her belt (4.3″ vs. 2.4″) and a thicker main armoured deck (3″ vs. .98″). Due to the thicker armor, Algérie grew in displacement to a maximum of 13,641 long tons, the heaviest of the French cruisers.

In addition to her armor protection, Algérie was also well armed and capable of a respectable 31 knots. This made her a very balanced design that was among the best when she was first launched. Even at the start of World War II eight years later, Algérie still compared well with all of her contemporaries. During the War, Algérie had a largely uneventful career. Her biggest moment came when she was scuttled with the rest of the French fleet at Toulon.

The largest of the French cruisers, Algérie ranks highly on our list at number twelve, but we still have plenty of cruisers to go!

11. Bolzano (13,665 Long Tons)

In commission – 1933
Displacement – 10,890 Long tons (Full Load – 13,665 Long tons)
Length – 646′
Beam – 68′

The only member of her class, Bolzano was the last heavy cruiser built by the Italian Navy. Designed to operate alongside the Trento class cruisers, Bolzano needed exceptional speed. This made her a faster, more lightly armoured cruiser compared to the Zaro class that immediately proceeded her.

Bolzano possesed remarkably powerful engines. Though designed for 150,000shp, during trials she exceeded 173,000shp. This allowed Bolzano to reach a top speed of 36.8 knots. This speed came at a cost however. Bolzano was only lightly armoured, having a belt that was roughly a third of the Zaro class and a deck that was about 20mm thinner (70mm vs. 50mm). Armament was still powerful with eight 8″ (203mm) guns and sixteen 100mm secondary guns.

Bolzano was present at several of the most notable battles at the start of World War II. A British submarine attack in August 1942 caused considerable damage, forcing Bolzano out of action for the rest of the War. Bolzano’s size is enough to give her the number eleven spot on the list.

10. Mogami Class (13,670 Long tons)

In commission – 1935
Displacement – 11,169 Long tons (Full Load – 13,670 Long tons)
Length – 661′ 5″
Beam – 67′ 7″

A heavy cruiser disguised as a light cruiser, the Japanese Mogami class cruisers were unique vessels. Considered by some to have been powerful warships and thought of as design failures by others, the Mogami class are subjects of intense debate. This debate largely stems from the Mogami class cramming the maximum amount of weaponry into a very light hull. Japan attempted to abide by the 10,000 ton cruiser limit, however the ships would displace over 11,000 tons at trials. They continued to grow in weight until reaching a maximum weight of 13,670 tons.

The Mogami class was unlike any Japanese cruiser before it. They adopted five triple turrets mounting 6.1″ guns. These 6.1″ guns were also capable of limited anti-air fire. However, Japanese designers ensured that they could easily be refitted with 8″ guns and in 1939 the ships received their new 8″ guns. Rearmed and refitted, the Mogami class went on to see extensive action during World War II. They were present at several notable battles including the Invasion of the Dutch East Indies, Leyte Gulf, and the Battle of Midway among others.

9. Cleveland Class (14,131 Long tons)

In commission – 1942
Displacement – 11,744 Long tons (Full Load – 14,131 Long tons)
Length – 608′ 6″
Beam – 66′ 4″

With 27 ships launched, the Cleveland class cruisers are among the most numerous class of cruisers ever built. Though classified as “light” cruisers, the Cleveland class were anything but light. The first light cruisers to be built without the limitations of the London Naval Treaty, the Cleveland class had a standard displacement of 11,744 tons. At full load the Cleveland class displaced over 14,000 tons, heavier than most previous heavy cruisers.

Armed with twelve 6″ and twelve 5″ dual-purpose guns, the Cleveland class were formidable warships. Their high rate of fire made them the preferred cruiser of the Pacific campaign. Admirals appreciated their ability to pummel enemy ships into submission through sheer rate of gunfire. Their numerous anti-aircraft guns also made them attractive escorts for larger warships. Despite participating in numerous engagements and coming under heavy fire, all of the Cleveland class cruisers survived the war.

Despite their impressive capabilities, the Cleveland class were overweight and could not continue to endure the weight of additional equipment. Therefore, they get left behind by other cruisers on our list. However, the Cleveland class do enjoy the honor of being the largest light cruiser of the Second World War.

8. Zara Class (14,330 Long Tons)

In commission – 1931
Displacement – 11,712 Long tons (Full Load – 14,330 Long tons)
Length – 599′
Beam – 67′

The Italian Navy had long favoured cruisers that sacrificed armor for impressive top speeds. However, it was soon feared that the ships were too vulnerable compared to contemporary cruisers. A more balanced design that placed equal emphasis on armor protection was called for. This new cruiser would become the Zara class.

Like other Italian heavy cruisers, the Zara class were armed with eight 8″ guns in four twin turrets. However, they carried enough armor to resist these weapons, featuring a belt that was 5.9″ thick. Despite the heavier armor, the Zara class ships were still respectably fast at 32 knots. However, fitting armor, firepower, and speed on a single hull pushed the limits of the design. Though the Italian Navy attempted to make the Zara class fall within the 10,000 treaty limits, they found it impossible. Thus, they allowed the ships to exceed the limit. Overall, the Zara class proved themselves to be one of the best cruisers of the Second World War.

The largest of Italy’s cruisers, the Zara class are large enough to claim the eighth spot on our list!

7. Myoko Class (14,980 Long tons)

In commission – 1928
Displacement – 11,633 Long tons (Full Load – 14,980 Long tons)
Length – 669′
Beam – 56′

In the mid 1920s, Japan would begin construction of the Myoko class cruisers. These cruisers would establish some of the traits that future Japanese cruisers would be known for, including the use of ten 8″ guns in five twin turrets. At the time of their construction, the Myoko class were the largest cruisers in the world, displacing 11,633 tons. By World War II, these cruisers grew in weight until they displaced almost 15,000 tons.

Serving for almost two decades, the Myoko class cruisers were involved in many notable naval actions. They took part in the Invasion of China and helped spearhead Japanese expansion throughout the Pacific. Their biggest role might have been during the Battle of the Java Sea which saw the destruction of the Allied fleet protecting the Dutch East Indies. Three of the Myoko class cruisers were lost during the war with the remaining ship surviving long enough to be scuttled after the war.

While they were the largest cruisers in the world when built, by World War II, they were surpassed by several newer ships. However, they are still large enough to warrant the number five spot on our list.

6. Tone Class (15,443 Long tons)

In commission – 1938
Displacement – 11,213 Long tons (Full Load – 15,443 Long tons)
Length – 620′ 5″
Beam – 63′ 8″

The last heavy cruisers completed by the Japanese Navy, the Tone class cruisers were designed to fix issues with the previous Mogami class. Now that Japan no longer had to follow the London Naval Treaty, they were free to build a new design. The Tone class displaced well over 11,000 tons and eventually grew to 15,443 tons at full load.

The Tone class was designed to be a dual-role warship. In addition to fulfilling the heavy cruiser role, the Tone class would act as long range reconnaissance vessels. Unlike previous Japanese cruisers, the Tone class was unusual in that their entire battery was placed forward of the superstructure. This allowed the stern of the ship to accommodate a large number of seaplanes. During the war, the cruisers eventually lost their ability to handle aircraft when it was decided to increase their anti-air firepower.

While the Tone class might have been the last heavy cruisers built by Japan, they were not the largest. That honor belongs to number five on our list.

5. Takao Class (15,781 Long tons)

In commission -1932
Displacement – 9690 Long ton (Full Load – 15,781 Long tons)
Length – 668′ 5″
Beam – 67′

Next on our list, we have the Takao class cruisers of the Japanese Navy. The Takao class are also considered to have been the most successful of Japan’s heavy cruisers. An evolution over the previous Myoko class, the Takao cruisers featured a heavier armament. They also had a distinctive superstructure that included a massive bridge. These improvements led to a much larger ship with the Takao class pushing 16,000 tons towards the end of World War II, making them the largest Japanese cruisers of the war.

With twin 8″ guns and sixteen torpedo tubes, the Takao class compared well with most foreign designs. They fought throughout the Second World War, leading many Japanese attacks. Chokai led Japanese forces in the Battle of Savo Island, the worst defeat the American Navy would ever experience. Later, all four ships would take part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Tragically, this would be their last battle. All of the ships suffered severe damage with three being sunk outright while one was able to retreat though never being repaired prior to the end of World War II.

The largest Japanese cruisers, the Takao class still falls short of the largest cruisers of World War II. Four cruiser class are still to go on our list.

4. Deutschland Class (16,020 Long tons)

In commission – 1933
Displacement – 14,650 Long tons (Full Load – 16,020 Long tons)
Length – 610′ 3″
Beam – 71′

At number four on our list, we have the Deutschland class armoured cruisers. A design that attracted the interest of some foreign navies while causing alarm among others, the Deutschland class were unique vessels. Designed to meet the 10,000 ton cruiser limit, while still outperforming any rival design, the Deutschland class were heavily armed with six 11″ guns. While every attempt was made to reduce weight, these ships displaced well over 10,000 tons. The largest of the ships, Admiral Graf Spee, maxed out at 16,020 tons.

With their heavy armament, the ships gained the popular classification of “Pocket Battleships” by the British. They were also respected for their impressive speed of 28 knots and long cruising range. At the time of their construction, they might have been the most powerful cruisers in existence. They could outfight any other cruiser while outrunning anything more powerful. Only the battlecruisers of the Royal Navy could catch them. This led to many nations developing new warships to counter these vessels.

Large and powerful, the Deutschland class earn their place among the largest cruisers. However, these pocket battleships are still outdone by a few later ships.

3. Baltimore Class (17,031 Long tons)

In commission – 1943
Displacement – 14,500 Long tons (Full Load – 17,031 Long tons)
Length – 673′ 5″
Beam – 70′ 10″

Immediately following the start of World War II, the United States quickly abandoned the Treaty Limitations and set about designing a cruiser that had an ideal blend of firepower, armor, and speed. The Baltimore class cruisers were based on the preceding cruiser Wichita. However, they further refined and improved upon the design, producing a highly capable warship. They were considerably larger, displacing 14,5000 tons at standard load and roughly 17,031 tons at full load.

Fourteen of these ships were completed with twelve being finished prior to the end of World War II. Several of the ships fought during the final battles of the War, though they missed most of the well known surface actions. They did prove themselves as capable escort units, providing carriers with heavy anti-aircraft firepower. They also provided naval gunfire support in several bombardment missions. They repeated this again in the Korean War.

The Baltimore class never got to prove themselves in combat with enemy cruisers during the Second World War. However, they are still considered to be excellent heavy cruisers, perhaps the best of the war. Regardless, their impressive size nets them the No. 3 spot on our list.

2. Admiral Hipper Class (18,700 Long tons)

In commission – 1939
Displacement – 16,170 Long tons (Full load – 18,700 Long tons)
Length – 697′ overall
Beam – 71′ 2″

In 1935, Germany was allowed to increase the size of its navy following the Anglo-German Naval Agreement. In particular, it was allowed 50,000 tons worth of heavy cruisers. Germany quickly began development of five 10,000 ton cruisers.

These ships, the Admiral Hipper class, displaced well over 10,000 tons. The first three ships of the class (Admiral Hipper, Blücher, and Prinz Eugen) all displaced over 16,000 tons. Fully loaded, they displaced even more with Prinz Eugen reaching a full load displacement of 18,700 tons by the End of World War II. The final two ships of the class (Seydlitz and Lützow) were to have been slightly larger than their sisters, displacing 17,600 tons and 19,800 tons when fully loaded. However, the final ships were never completed with work stopped on Seydlitz when 95% complete and Lützow being sold to the Soviet Union.

Fast, well armoured, and powerfully armed, the Admiral Hipper class cruisers might have very well been the most powerful cruisers afloat at the start of the Second World War. Even after the arrival of other heavy cruiser designs, the Admiral Hipper class remained very competitive. In terms of size, they would remain the largest cruisers until the arrival of the next warship on our list.

1. Alaska Class (34,253 Long tons)

In Commission – 1944
Displacement – 27,779 long tons (Full load – 34,253 Long tons)
Length – 808′ overall
Beam – 91′ 9″

Finally, we have arrived at number one on our list of the largest cruisers of World War II. A cruiser so large that historians have debated on whether these gigantic warships would be better described as battlecruisers. These giant cruisers were the Alaska class “large cruisers” of the United States Navy. Over 50% larger than the next largest cruiser, the Alaska class cruisers were big ships. At 808′ in length, they were longer than the North Carolina (728′) and King George V (745′) class battleships. With a displacement of 34,253 tons fully loaded, they rivaled several pre-World War II battleships.

Originally envisioned to counter the Deutschland class armoured cruisers laid down by Germany, the design that would eventually evolve into the Alaska class began when rumors began to circulate that Japan was building new cruisers that outperformed all current heavy cruisers. The United States developed the Alaska class cruisers to counter these large Japanese cruisers. To do this, the Alaska class was designed to be protected against cruiser gunfire while also having the ability to outgun its rivals through its powerful 12″ guns. While Japan’s cruisers never materialized, the Alaska class found use due to their large size, high speed, and potent firepower. Only in service during the last year of World War II, they were found to be excellent in the carrier escort and shore bombardment roles.

While it might be hard to say where heavy cruisers end and battlecruisers begin, the Alaska class likely existed on that line.