Launched at the outset of the 20th century, the Cressy-class cruisers were powerful and innovative ships. In the Great War, however, they met their match, as Cressy and two sister-ships, Aboukir and Hogue, were sunk by German submarines in a single battle. While providing a history of these formidable ships, this book contains dozens of exquisite original drawings, builders' plans that reveal the workmanship of the interiors and exteriors.