1943)
Substantial alterations were carried out at the Halifax Ship yard. The two top decks were cut away and light-cruiser superstructure was fitted, eliminating the boat deck cabins and lounges. The hull and deck were stiffened and some watertight subdivision added. All three ships suffered from the basic weakness of large cargo and accommodation compartments extending across their hulls.
A torpedo in their forward hold holds or in their large undivided engine rooms would probably have been disastrous.
Four 6-inch (152 mm) guns were fitted, one on each of the two decks forward and aft. Two 3-inch (76 mm) guns were fitted on the upper deck amidships, along with several light anti-aircraft machine guns. Two depth charge chutes were added to the stern, but no anti-submarine detection equipment was supplied. The three original stacks were replaced with two shorter, oval ones, which gave a decidedly more cruiser like appearance. HMCS Prince David was commissioned as F89 at Halifax, Nova Scotia on 28 December 1940, under the command of Captain W.B. Armit, RCNR.
Prince David, in company with Prince Henry, left Halifax on 12 January 1941 for work-ups off Bermuda. Crews of both ships were given a good introduction to the quick rolling characteristics of the 'Princes' during a stormy passage to Hamilton, Bermuda. Even as cruise ships, the three 'Princes' were known for their tendency to roll in heavy seas. As a gun platform, this was not an ideal trait and extra care and practice was needed to overcome the tendency to a quick rolling motion. Added to this was the age of the 6-inch (152 mm) guns themselves, which made it necessary to devote more care to the armament than was desirable in a hectic engagement.
Read more about this topic: HMCS Prince David (F89), Armed Merchant Cruiser (1940