Built for overseas service, this class of ten armoured cruisers was laid down between 1901 and 1903. They carry a relatively weak armament of 6" guns in their main battery and have a rather poor armour protection, making them fit to serve in second line exclusively. A weak spot are the guns mounted in a swallows nest position close to the waterline, rendering them inpoerational in heavy weather. Most ships were already assigned to the reserve fleet in 1914, but were reactivated as every ship was needed to clear the oceans from German raiders. In fulfilment of this duty, HMS Monmouth perished off Coronel while fighting Vice Admiral Graf von Spee's cruiser squadron.