During the Second World War the role of the cruiser as the perfect escort vessel for carrier strike forces became so greatly enhanced that numerous new classes were introduced into the Royal Navy between 1939 and 1945. The "Swiftsure" Class was part of the 1941 building programme and although eight vessels were ordered initially, only Ontario, Swiftsure and Superb were completed to the original design. Each displaced 8,800 tons, measured 555½ feet long overall and could make 31½ knots under maximum power. Principally armed with 9-6in. guns in three triple turrets, secondary armament was equally impressive and each carried a crew of 855.

Superb, built by Swan Hunter's at Wallsend, was laid down in 1942, launched in 1943, but not completed until November 1945 by which time the War had ended. For most of her service life she served as flagship for the various squadrons to which she belonged and was given a major refit in 1955-56. The advent of the guided missile "destroyers" marked the end of her usefulness however and, after being laid up for two years then went to the breakers in 1950.