Emerald

Project E, a further development of the British light cruisers, incorporated enhanced engine power to increase its speed. The lead cruiser of the class—HMS Emerald—was laid down in 1918 and entered service only in 1926. During the interwar period, she operated in the East Indies and at the China Station. The ship escorted convoys from Halifax between 1939 and 1940 and became the flagship of the Eastern Fleet in 1942. Following repairs in 1942 and 1943, she participated in the landing of Allied troops in Normandy and was later reclassified as a target ship.