Modifications
In 1932, Exeter had side plating added amidships to the upper deck to enclose her open main deck as far as the after funnel (unlike the County class, the Yorks were not flush-deckers). This provided additional enclosed spaces for accommodation and working. In 1935, the intended multiple Vickers machine guns were finally added, single QF 2-pounder guns having been fitted in lieu. Early war modifications/post battle damage repairs (from her engagement with the Graf Spee) and a general refit saw the bridge rebuilt and enlarged, replacement of the single 4-inch (102 mm) guns with modern twin Mark XVI models on the ubiquitous mounting Mark XIX and an enclosure ('tub') for a single 20 mm Oerlikon gun added to the roof of both 'B' and 'Y' turrets. Type 286 air warning radar was added requiring the pole masts to be replaced by heavy tripods, this primitive metric set had separate transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) aerials, one at each masthead. Type 284 radar was fitted to the director control tower atop the bridge to provide ranging information and spot fall of shot. A larger catapult arrangement and crane were fitted for handling the Supermarine Walrus amphibious aircraft.
Read more about this topic: HMS Exeter (68)