Hunt Type II (Eridge) class Destroyer Escort

UK, Royal Navy: 33 (on 86 Hunt total) Escort DDs.

The Hunt Type 2 (Eridge class) were 33 destroyers launched 1940-43. These escort destroyer of the Royal Navy were named after hunting grounds. The previous Type 1 were ordered on 1939 to free regular destroyer for fleet work. After the gross stability issues of the Type 1 were solved on the next 22 ships, rebuilt and improved, they were followed by an even better Type 2, which is seen here. They were a drop in the ocean of 500+ US destroyer escort but became very useful on the British east coast and Mediterranean. Sunk in action: HMS Dulverton, Eridge (TCL), Grive, Heythrop, Hurworth, Puckeridge, Southwold. Three served with the Free Polish Navy, one with Norway, and three with the Hellenic Navy in WW2. Others ended postwar in the Norwegian, Danish, Indian, and West German Navies.

Orp Slazak of the Hunt Type II.

Development

The Royal Navy already had planed for two types of destroyer prewar, as far back as 1937. At the time, there were already larger destroyers with heavy artillery for fleet duties like the Tribals, and an older type of destroyer, the vintage V-W and flotilla leaders, that could be used, as well as the interwar A to F classes of destroyers, which were smaller, slower. But the aging V-W destroyers of 1918-19 needed replacement, so already the RN could plan for a new, modern class dedicated for escort work.

Paradoxically, these old fleet destroyers suited for escort work, were slow to 1937 standards, and lacked torpedoes, while having less capable anti-submarine grenade throwers racks, capacity and sonar. They were less suitable than tailored vessels for the task. A conversion was planned already in case of war but would take time and took these precious hulls out of service for many months. Contingency Plans had been prepared aside, for corvettes to be built from civilian yards notably, based ona standard whaler design, that became the Flower class. The great unknown as it was all on paper, was if these civilian yards could deliver ships that were not military grade but good enough for the tasks at hand. With a hindsight noone could plan the ability of these yards to do so effectively, and thus, a new class of destroyer escort was to be designed and built in military yards.

New design requirements were desrived from fleet destroyers as a well known and mastered designed, that the admiraty just had to trim down the existing design essentially. Speed was the first. For escort work it was calculated that they would need, by reference to WW1 went from 5 and and 5.5 knots for the slowest (ships were assembled by speed capabilities to avoid them lagging behind, stretching the formation) and the fastest convoys made slightly over nine knots. In between wartime construction in the US and Britain, and the return to new orders by merchant lines in the interwar, the new potezntial co,nvoy speed could be raised to 10 knots at the high end, and 7 at the low end. The new escort ship was obliged to run at least to double this speed, to sail back and forth and change position across the convoy, and thus to do at least 20 knots, plus the ability to chase a surface running submarine, around 16-18 knots.

WW2 escort HMS Comet (H00) a C-class destroyer launched in 1931

Calculations led to the ralization they needed half the power, and rather free space for extra fuel oil bunkerage and thus, better range. They needed to in and out of the convoy and shephered lost ships in a gale or by night for example, cover and assist ships that had broken down or had been damaged or had been damaged. Since the 1935 Anglo-German naval agreement it was now clear that Germany had resumed U-Boote construction, so in case of war, the Atlantic was presented already as potential battle ground. Since escort work would be primarily done in the Atlantic, in open sea, the hull shape had to be less optimized for speed again than to face heavy weather, especially at lower speed.

Classic fleet destroyers were poor sea boats in rough conditions, consumed a lot of fuel oum and that degraded their range overall as well. Plus the heavy armament cause a lack of stability, exacerbated by their additional ASW equipment for escort work. The old V-W needed as seen above needed heavy modifications, plus they had wear and tear after twenty years service. In all cases, brand new hull for escort work based on modern requirements would be required. That called for a brand new design with a shorter, but more seaworthy hull, a proper machinery, proper armament for escort.

HMS Witch (D89) in 1942, one of the many vintage W class that nedeed replacement. She was modified for escort work (No TT, more ASW, fuel and modern sonar).
The naval staff so eventually came to the agreement that its new ship needed to capable of 20+ knots, to chase of submarines, and return to the convoy at full speed and at any moment. Convoy speed was later in 1939 updated to 12 knots for the fastest, and solutions of using triple expansion or diesel machinery instead of steam turbines, left fleet destroyers, opened now options that will not tax the war effort. What became the Hunt class (the name was chose later) in early development phase, was the debate among senior officers versus the young generation. As the former still feared surface German attacks and wanted to keep capabilities against threats other than strictly submarines.

German destroyers in particular were feared, and thus, that faction insisted on a heavy armament and torpedoes, making the whole design larger, heavier and costier. They wanted also a speed well above 20 knots to be reassigned at any moment for fleet work if needed. Eventually a compromise was found after the young faction insiting on a simplified, smaller vessel that could be mass produced, accepted the return for an “intermediate” armament. Now all depended on the British naval industry to be able to perform such construction while already being heavily strained both in manpower and resources. The “fast escort vessel” was later classified as an “escort destroyer”.

Hunt Type II HMS Badsworth (L 03) after a convoy run. Note the shattered hull paint.

The final Hunt class (now the class name was agreed upon, they would sport hunting logdes and domains across the British Isles) that was drafted in 1938 became infamous for a gross design calculation error. They had to carry no less than six 4-in guns, which were installed on HMS Atherstone, Fernie and Hambledon. However the first was dangerously unstable. Serious errors in calculations conducted to add ballast ha dhaving two 2—4in removed. Denny fin stabilisers were also added to reduce the roll, but thus gave them a quick, jerky motion. All except Exmoor and Tynedale obtained single 2pdr pompom mounts to deal against E-boats as bow chasers later.

But the Type 2 that was planned had to cure the glaring stability issues of the first class. In 1940 preparations were made for a Redesigned Hunt type 1, with the beam increased by 0.8m to improve stability. The armament and other detaile remained the same however and just reproduced the original design. After all, the admiralty liked it enough to press US Yards to come with their own brand of the design under lend-lease (1941 Commission), and that became the Captain class in 1942. The US modified the design and went to their own brand of destroyer escort. Part of the new ships never received stabilizers, which freed volume for additional fuel.

HMS Riou in 1944, a Captain class, inspired by the Hunt class (IWM)

Construction and Evolution

Hunt Type III HMS Aldenham (L22) with her quirky Mediterranean march 1942 camouflage

When construction was at last decided, a hundred ships was to be ordered in several batches. In the end, eighty-six (86) Hunt class escort destroyer were completed. Seventy-two (72) were commissioned into the Royal Navy, the remaining fourteen (14) transferred to allied navies for taking part in Atlantic ecort missions. After the issues of the Series I, the series II (and III) proved more satisfying but construction was stopped by late 1942. There were simply now enough escorts on the way, cheaper and better suited such as the River class frigates built to naval standards in civilian yards.

Design of the class

ONI depiction of the Hunt class Type I (top) and II (bottom)

The Hunt class to gain time, were not design from scrath, but modelled on the 1938 escort sloop Bittern, 262 ft (80 m) in overall lenght for 1,190 tons. She had geared steam turbines, rated for 3,300 shp (2,500 kW), enabling a top speed of 18.75 kn (34.73 km/h; 21.58 mph) and armed with three twin Mark XIX mounts with the QF 4-inch (102 mm) gun Mark XVI. If the “six gun faction” were rebuffed for the Hunt Type I due to stability calculations the Type II repredoduce dthe design with all the modifications stated above, larger beam, lowered bridge, no torpeod tubes, lightened structures, among others. The three twin guns were controlled by a Fuze Keeping Clock AA fire control computer to engage aircraft while still providing useful AA/S fire. The Hunt Type II kept the same armament as the modified Type I, plus a quadruple QF 2-pounder mount Mark VII AA.

The hull was a tad longer, the beam was much larger for better stability, so the hull ratio was less favoutable for a good speed at the same output. The envisioned output for the 1st series was raised to 19,000 shp (14,000 kW) for 27 knots (50 km/h). When the Hunt Type I, too unstable, were restricted to North Sea and Mediterranean escort, the Type II were now capable of Atlantic convoy duties. The overworked Admiralty design department oversight and major design miscalculation was now relegated to the past. Its centre of gravity was higher than expected, its beam was increased.

HMS Fernie (L11) a Type I Hunt-class destroyer. Underway at Spithead Creator: Portsmouth Dockyard Constructive Department. Source: © IWM (FL 10250) She has been the only ship in the Royal Navy to carry this name. Note the 2-pdr at the bow to destroy U-Boats close up.

The Hunt series I indeed after completion were overweight by 70 tons and resolutely top-heavy as well as unstable but the first twenty ships were too far advanced in constructio so compensatory measures were taken in emergency like the remova of the ‘X’ 4-inch gun mount down to three guns, the bridge was cut down by a level, 50 tons of permanent ballast pooured into her bottom double hull. The Type I had also the 2-pounder relocated from behind the funnel to ‘X’ position, in lieu of the former main gun. The naval staff was however opposed to the removal of the torpedo tubes. In the end, the design was still able to repell a Luftwaffe attack, was lacking to face a Kriegsmarine destroyer.

The Type II was thus redesigned, by adding a 2½ foot section and create a beam up to 31 ft 6 in. The margin of stability for the Type II and their lower, redesigned bridge (one less level) with a compass platform extended forward to the wheelhouse face kept the first intended three twin mounts. The 1939 Emergency War Programme indeed planned, after the Type 1, 36 more to be ordered, making for 33 Type II, 28 Type III, before construction was halted, to free capacity in hard-pressed Naval yards, for repairs to other fleet ships. The Depth charge stowage was augmented from 40 to 110.

The 1940 building programme however was modified by many in the admiralty nervous the ships lacked torpedoes. They were to be reintegrated on the 27 ships of the Type III group. They were indeed planned to be deployed to the Mediterranean to face the Regia Marina. The ‘Y’ gun was to be removed for a twin 21-inch torpedo tube bank, located amidships. The searchlight was t be displaced to the aft shelter deck and they had a straight capped funnel and straight, unraked foremast. Fourteen of thse ships had stabiliser fins omitted and the space freed was used for extra fuel oil and thus, more range. The “old guard” however in between pushed for even more torpedo armament. So Thornycroft proposed a much larger, alternative design. It showcased a longer forecastle and now had a triple torpedo tube bank. HMS Brecon and Byssenden would be the only ones in the Type IV. The RN before this was soon flooded with US escorts, 50 former US “4-piper” destroyers under leand lease and the thirty-two “Captain class”, essentially a short hulled Destroyer Escort based on the Evarts (GMT) class. So any new Hunt class was surplus.

Hull and general design

The Hunt class Type II went from 1,000 long tons (1,020 t) standard to 1050 long tons (1,070 t) standard, and reached 1,430 tonnes (1,450t) from 1,340 long tons (1,360 t) on the Type I, fully loaded. The overall length went from 85 m (278 ft 10 in) to 85.3 m (279 ft 10 in) o/a and the beam, initially of 8.8 m (28 ft 10 in) was pushed to 9.6 m (31 ft 6 in). Draught was 3.27 m (10 ft 9 in) and went down to 2.51 m (8 ft 3 in) given the extra buoyancy offered by the larger hull and absence of ballast. The basic design behind the Hunt class was originally the sloop HMS Bittern, but it was much altered for better Anti-Submarine Work. It had a beefier ASW depth charge armament. Its tall bridge was now a bit reduced, with an open bridge for main surveillance and a helmman navigation bridge below lightened by a few portholes and just tall enough to clear up the roofline of the forward twin gun.

Unlike the previous ships, which had torpedo tubes initially, their long superstructure was now uninterrupted and the the mast and single funnel were both raked. The navigation bridge originally had to clear out the forward twin mount. The superstructure was extended all the way aft with one twin gun (Y) on deck protected from the elements by a an all-circling bulwark, and the second (X) in a superforing position. The hull had also a round stern, and had in proportion a forecastle that was longer than for conventional destroyers and ended almost admiship. The stem was angled less than Tribal class destroyer, and more than traditional destroyers like the G-H-I class. There was a reasonable amount of sheer, and a sloped section forward to raise the bow for extra seaworthiness. The ships only carried two utility boats, one on either side of the funnel as was the usual practice. The main

Powerplant

MeLesCo superheaters for the 3-drum Boilers scheme, Hunt class

Propulsion was the same between the Hunt Type I and II: Steam Turbines, smaller and designed for a reduced top speed but at a rate that improved reliability and maintenance. In short, less strain was taken on these compared to fleet destoryers and their HP/LP turbines. They still themselves had high-pressure/low-pressure stages to improve consumption, increase range. These two small shaft Parsons geared turbines had ratios making them more economical while still being rated at 19,000 shp (14,20 kW). They were fed by two Admiralty 3-drum boilers likely rated for 450 psi (3.1 MPa). This made up for a top speed of 27 (instead of 27.5 knots) (31 mph; 50 km/h), down to a more practical 26 knots (29.9 mph; 48.2 km/h) in operations to spare machinery and fuel oil, and as optimal high speed.

The Range was augmented however from 3,500 nmi (6,500 km) at 15 knots) to 3,600 nmi (6,700 km; 4,100 mi) at 14 kn (26 km/h; 16 mph) thanks to a rework internals for a greater oil capacity, which diverged in class: The immense majority had 265 tonnes of fuel oil (245 for the Type I) but kept their stabilizers, whereas HMS Avon Vale, Bramham and Cowdray had no stabilizer and the space was used for extra bunkerage, up to 328 tonnes of fuel oil. Extra range, likely around 4,500 nm at 14 knots or more. At 20 knots they still can reach 2,100 nmi, showing the qualities of these turbines,albeit in some sources at that speed, the Type I could do 2,500 nmi.

Armament

The Hunt class Type I initially had six QF 4-inch (102 mm) Mark XVI guns with three twin mounts Mk. XIX but calculation errors led to the superstructure being cut out and simplified with the omission of “X” mount, the one superfiring aft, leaving the class with four main guns but a quadruple QF 2-pounder (40 mm) Mk. VIII “pompom” or quad mount MK.VII instead. For the Hunt Type II, the admiralty wanted the three main guns, and the removed “X” mount back. This was now possible by the new beam and extra measures taken to regain stability. Thus, the Hunt Type II regained the original projected firepower of 1939. However still no torpedo tubes. The “pompom” had to be moved again from the “X” position to behind the funnel on an elevated banstand. This was completed by two 20 mm Oerlikon AA guns on single mounts P Mk. III. As for ASW armament, they had from 30 to 60 depth charges, with 2 throwers, and now three rack insted of a single one.

QF 4-inch (102 mm) Mark XVI guns

The QF 4-inch Mark XVI gun (also written as QF 4-inch Mk. XVI) was a British dual-purpose naval gun widely used by the Royal Navy and Commonwealth navies during and after World War II.
This Naval artillery was dual-purpose, anti-ship and anti-aircraft. After design modifications, notably by giving them a greater beam and reworked bridge, the Type II, III and IV all had three twin mounts.
Specs:
2,495 kg (barrel and breech), 4 inches (102 mm) 45 calibers (180 inches/4.57 m)
Shell weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
Rate of fire: 15–20 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity: 2,660 ft/s (810 m/s)
Effective range: 18,150 yards (16,600 m) at 45° elevation
Maximum ceiling: 39,000 ft (11,900 m) against aircraft
Elevation range: -10° to +80°
Traverse: 360° on suitable mounts
Crew: 9 on average.
Mounts used: Twin mounts (Mark XIX), shielded (no fully enclose turret).
The Mk XVI was also used as standard secondary armament for many British and Commonwealth warships during WWII, notably the Canadian Tribal-class and J-K-N-class.
The twin HA/LA (High Angle/Low Angle) mounts Mark XIX were powered and allowed quick traverse and elevation, essential for anti-aircraft use. They director-controlled, especially on larger ships, integrating radar and fire-control systems, but not on the Hunt class due to weight issues.

QF 2-pounder (40 mm) Mk. VIII AA guns

The QF 2-pounder “pompom” was the emblematic British naval anti-aircraft (AA) autocannon of WW2 which needs no further introduction. It was seen virtually on all RN ships from the smallest coastal vessels to the largest aircraft carrier and battleship, declined into single, twin, quad and octuple mounts. On the Type I they replaced the “X” twin 4-in mount, being lighter and still having an excellent arc of fire to offer an almost unobstructed 360° coverage. It was tasked on the Hunt Type I of short- to medium-range air defense after the DP 4-in guns which were slower firing.
The Quadruple mount needed a crew of six, but can be limited to just 4 if needed.
The 40 mm (1.575 in) in latter models fired in Automatic mode with belts for no interruption at a rate of 240 rounds a min, but the usual rate was 115 rounds per minute per barrel at a practical rate with 14 or 28-round hopper-fed magazines.
Each shell weighted 2 lb (0.91 kg) — hence the name “2-pounder” at a Muzzle Velocity: 2,040 ft/s (622 m/s).

Effective Range was c3,800 meters (AA)/5,500 meters (surface)
It became less effective against faster aircraft as WWII progressed, leading to gradual replacement by Bofors 40 mm.
However, it was active until 1945 as being reliable and easy to maintain, with a high rate of fire for its quadruple mount, but had a low velocity, limited hitting power and range compared to the Bofors with an accuracy and lethality diminished against high-speed aircraft in 1944-45.

20 mm Oerlikon AA guns

The 20 mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft (AA) gun needs no presentation. It was one of the most widely used light automatic cannons during World War II, a staple on Allied warships, merchant vessels, and land-based platforms due to its simplicity, reliability, and effectiveness at close-range air defense. However, it was not present of course in the original design, only installed with modernizations in 1942-43.
The 20 mm (0.787 in) Automatic anti-aircraft gun was Blowback-operated (open bolt) and fed by 60-round drum magazine (top-mounted), needed only a single gunner and a couple of loaders/spotters. Simple, robust, light, compact, it could be operated by minimally trained crews and placed on tight spot on a ship. The Hunt class were given two single Mk. II/IV models at first.
Performance:
Muzzle Velocity: 830 m/s (2,723 ft/s), with 123 g (High-Explosive) shells.
Rate of Fire: ~250–320 rounds/min (cyclic)
Effective Range: 1,000–1,500 m (air targets), 4,800 m surface
The Single mount was manually aimed with shoulder supports and ring sights. Its mount included walls lined internally with ammunition holders, but full cheese box magazines were carried from a secured, armoured locker by the loaders. It became the shorter ranges AA defensive layer on the Hunt class, but they only carried two in their career.

depth charges

The Hunt class were given a single Roll-off depth charge rack art the stern at first (capacity ten DCs) and just two depth charge projectors (Y-Gun) for a global provision of 30 depth charges, all located at the stern. This was good enough for a single or two attack per mission and judged quickly inadequate as the war progressed, but this provision was in part dictated by weight constraints.
Standard Mark VII: Entered service in 1939, weighted 420 lbs. (191 kg) and carried 290 lbs. (132 kg) TNT with a sink Rate or Terminal Velocity of 9.9 fps (3.0 mps) with a max setting at 300 feet (91 m) later 500 feet (182 m).
Mark X (introduced 1944) and Mark X*, data to come for latter versions.
The depth charge load was raised to 50 (20 more) in 1941-42, but not raised further. In comparison, the Flower class corvettes and River class Frigates carried way more, including up to eight depth charge thrower.

Sensors

Type 285 radar

25 kW Gunnery radar for surface and AA ranging, coupled with the twin 4-in HA mounts.
Frequency 600 MHz, Beamwidth 18° (horizontal) 43° (vertical). Pulsewidth 2 μs
Range 18,000 yd (16,000 m), Altitude 15,000 ft (4,600 m), Precision 150 yd (140 m)

Type 286 radar

6 kW surface radar operating in VHF-band British naval air search radar, available since 1940. Designed for small ships and without rotating antenna (the ship needed to be swayed to focus the beam). Replaced by Type 291. frequency 214 MHz, pulse repetition frequency (PRF) 200 to 800 Hz, pulsewidth (τ) 2 µs. Range 25 nl (46 km).

Type 271 radar

5-70 kW Surface search radar introduced in 1941, with a naval microwave-frequency system, small antenna (28 in (0.71 m)) but with improved resolution to pick up a surfaced U-boat at 3 miles (4.8 km) or even a periscope at 900 yards (820 m), very useful by night. Frequency 2950 at 50 MHz (S-band), PRF 500 pps. Beamwidth 8.6º horizontal, 85º vertical, pulsewidth 1.5 μs, 2 rpm. Range 1-11 NM (1.9–20.4 km). Azimuth 220-360º accuracy ~2º, 250 yards range.

Type 128 sonar

Typical British destroyer sonar, retractable, installed from 1937, last prewar set. Equipped with a range recorder and controlled from the bridge if needed.

Appearance

The Polish Kujawiak in 1941 as completed. Below: Note the color interpretation (pinterest)

The Polish Slazak in 1942. (pinterest)

The Polish Karkowiak in 1944. (pinterest)

HMS Basdworth

HMS Basdworth showing a 4-tone camouflage (pinterest)

HMS Exmoor (pinterest)

The Hunt class camouflage, both Type I and Type II, was a mix of the usual western approach patterns of base light gray, light blue, dark blue mostly in straight shapes. The same as for the River class frigates, especially in 1942-43. In 1940 as they entered service, the usual pattern was medium gray for the hull, lighter structures, and a fake wave painted at the bow creating the illusion of a greater speed to break target calculation accuracy by submariners.

⚙ specifications
Displacement	1,050 long tons standard, 1,580-1625 long tons full load
Dimensions	85.3 x 9.6 x 3.8m ()
Propulsion	2 shaft Parsons geared turbines, 2 Admiralty 3-drum boilers, 19,000 shp (14,170 kW)
Speed	27.5 knots (31.6 mph; 50.9 km/h) top, 26 kn (29.9 mph; 48.2 km/h) average.
Range	3,500 nmi (6,500 km) at 15 kn (28 km/h)
Armament	2×2 QF 4-inch Mark XVI guns, 1×4 QF 2-pdr pompom Mk. VIII, 30 DCS (2 DCT, 1 DCR)
Protection	Usual ASW compartmentation
Sensors	See notes (from 1942)
Crew	146

Modifications of the Hunt class

HMS Avon Vale, Bedale, Cowdray, Lamerton, and Lauderdale saw the addition of a 40mm/39 2pdr QF Mk VIII pompom AA mount. Until late 1943 most had the type 271 radar installed and until late 1944, it was current to see twp extra 20mm/70 Oerlikon Mk II/IV installed. Also most had their type 286/P radar replaced by a type 291. In 1945, HMS Beaufort and HMS Exmoor had their four 20mm/70;replaced by two 40mm/56 Bofors Mk III AA mounts. Avon Vale, Bedale, Cowdray, Lamerton and Ledbury ended the war with a single extra pompom 40mm/39 Mk VIII.

The Hunt class in operations

The Hunt class were deployed as expected in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, but especially in the latter theater, where most losses occured.

There were more losses in this class, perhaps reflecting the larger number deployed. HMS Heythrop was sunk on 20 March 1942 by U652 at Sollum. HMS Grove was sunk on 12 June 1942 by U77 also at Sollum. HMS Puckeridge was sunk on 6 September 1943 at Gibraltar by U617. HMS Dulverton was sunk on 13 November 1943 by German Hs 293 gliding bomb from a by Do 217 bomber, at Leros, Aegean Islands. HMS Southwold struck a mine on 23 February 1942 while at Malta. She did not survived. HMS Hurworth also struck a mine, on 22 October 1943 at Kalymnos Island.

HMS Eridge was so badly damaged by Italian explosive boats (MAT) on 29 August 1942 at anchor, that she never repaired (declared total constructive loss) cannibalized for other ships in class and used afterwards as a depot ship in Alexandria until the end of the war. HMS Farndale was badly hit direcgly or by Luftwaffe near-misses by February 1942. She was then repaired. HMS Avon Vale by January, 1943 was badly damaged by aircraft torpedo but her bulkheads held and she was towed to safety and repaired, resuming service afterwards. In 1947 all were reclassified as frigates.

Hunt class Career

HMS Avon Vale (1941)

HMS Avon Vale was laid down at John Brown & Company, Clydebank on 12 February 1940, launched on 23 October 1940 and completed on 17 February 1941. Her first mission was convoy duty in the North Western Approaches, Irish sea force after working up at Scapa Flow, Home Fleet in March 1941. By May she was reassigned to the Med. Fleet at Gibraltar, with the class leader HMS Eridge and HMS Farndale. In July she was part of Malta convoy GM1, Operation Substance. On the 17th she joined WS9C (Eridge, Farndale, Nestor) and the troopship Pasteur (Convoy GM1) with servicemen to Gibraltar and Malta. On the 20th she left Gibraltar for Force X in the Sicilian Narrows to Malta and Force H. On the 23th she fended off attacks from the Luftwaffe and Regia A. from Sardinian airfields (Manchester and Fearless damaged). She escorted the damaged cruiser Manchester back to Gibraltar. In August she remained in convoy defence at Gibraltar and followed Convoy HG72 on 2 September to Liverpool. Next she was reassigned to the eastern Mediterranean through the Cape of Good Hope and Indian Ocean to Alexandria by November. She supported the Tobruk garrison.

On 27 November with HMAS Parramatta she escorted SS Hanne with supplies to Tobruk, but were ambushed by U-559, sinking Parramatta, Avon Vale rescuing 20 survivors. On 30 November she escorted the convoy AT1 to Tobruk with Heythrop, SS Kirkland carrying petrol. On 2 December she arrived and was back on 5 December (TA1) but under air attacks in which SS Chakdina was sunk with many POWs. Farndale rescued many, inc. DAK General Ravenstein. January 1942 saw her again in support of Tobruk. On 12 February she was in Convoy MW9A under heavy air attacks the next day. On 20 March she was in Convoy MW10 to Malta, 2 days later, under air attacks by Stukas and under threat of the battleship Littorio and three cruisers. Avon Vale was damaged in air attacks and had a collision. On 29 March she was sent home for repairs escorting HMS Aurora between Malta and Gibraltar. She was repaired in Falmouth’s commercial shipyard. She had trials in July and was assigned to the Western Approaches Command, for convoys to and from Western Africa from August to September, operating from Freetown.

October 1942 saw her on the first leg in the Atlantic from Freetown. On 20 October she was in WS23 from Freetown with HMS Durban, DDs Carthage and Kanaris for the passage of Good Hope. On 23 October she was relieved by HMS Milford and Despatch. She sailed to Gibraltar for Operation Torch. On 8 November she escorted ships of the Central Naval Task Force off Oran. Until December she escorted reinforcements. By January 1943 she was in DesDiv 59 at Gibraltar. On the 29th she was hit by an aerial torpedo, loosing her bow structure. The aft section was towed back to Gibraltar by Bicester. Temporary repairs in February ensured she was towed back in convoy until 25 June in MKS15 at HM Dockyard Chatham. Her forward structure was rebuilt until December 1943. She then had a refit until March 1944, when it was decided to transfer her to the Royal Hellenic Navy as HHMS Aegaion, but this was cancelled due to the attitude of Greek mariners. Instead in April 1944 she had trials and in May, she was worked-up and tasked to protect the allied landings in Normandy, Force L on D-Day from Solent and Nore. In August she was refitted at the Tyne and assigned to Desdiv 22, Mediterranean.

She joined the flotilla at Alexandria and by September took part in operations to occupy islands after the surrender of Italy, then she was transferred to the Adriatic. While with HMS Wheatland on 1 November, she engaged German surface craft south of Lussino, sinking TA20, UJ202, UJ208. In December she was sent to the East Indies after a new refit back home. By January 1945 she was with the16th DF at Harwich, pending refit, done eventually at Taranto in March-May. She was recommissioned in June, worked-up in July but in August the deployment was cancelled. Paid off in reserve. Broken up at Sunderland, 15 May 1958

HMS Badsworth (1941)

Badsworth was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 15 May 1940, launched on 17 March 1941, and completed on 18 August 1941. She had final trials at Scapa Flow and was prepared in September, ending at the Londonderry Escort Force and the north-west approaches. On 1 October she was with convoy WS-12, Clyde and back on the 3th. On 13-16 November convoy WS-12Z and on 13-21 December convoy WS14 with the battleship Ramilliesa and then AMC Cilicia to Freetown. She wa sback at Derry in January 1942. On 23 March she joined convoy WS-17 but on 25 March she collided with HMS Beverley, detached for repairs 2 days later. In April she was sent in support of Operation Myrmidon with the LSI Queen Emma and Princess Beatrix to attack shipping in Bayonne by Commando Units. The raid was unsuccessful. Next she joined convoy WS-18 on 18 April and then VB-18 back to Clyde. Next she was sent to the arctic convoys, from 28 April she joined convoy PQ 15. She scuttled by gunfire the crippled Botavon. But she soon spotted a periscope and counterattacked with two Patterns, reported damaged albeit her asdic broke down. Next she rescued men from merchantmen Cape Corso and Jutland after air attacks. On 5 May she left PQ 15 in Murmansk, remained until the 21th then joined QP-12. On 27 May she arrived home.

On 29 May she was sent to cover the convoys to Malta, Operation Harpoon. On 6 June she was with Convoy WS-19S for passage to Gibraltar. On 12 June she worked with the cruiser Cairo, and joined Force X from Gibraltar, through the Sicilian narrows. On 14 June there was an heavy air attack, damaging Liverpool. On 16 June she struck a German mine whilst entering Grand Harbour. Errors in the signals in a mine-swept path caused ORP Kujawiak to sink, Matchless, Hebe and Orari to be badly damaged. She had a 12 x 15 ft gash torn in her forward hull, below the waterline (14 killed). Drydocked she wa spatched up to return to Great Britain from 11 August, tagged as Force Y (Operation Ascendant) and crossing Operation Pedestal. Her crew painted Italian recognition marks on her forecastle to avoid attacks. She was in Gibraltar on 15 August, and on the 25th in North Shields shipyard, repaired until November, then trials and preparations. She joined the Londonderry Escort Force. On 18 December she joined convoy WS25 to Freetown, detached for the Clyde on the 24th.

From January to February 1943 she worked with the Atlantic convoys but was sent to the Mediterranean with DesDiv 60. On 16 March she joined convoy WS-28/KMF-11, Clyde with Krakowiak, Douglas, Eggesford, Goathland, Whaddon for the passage and detached to Gibraltar with KMF11. On 22 April, she struck a mine at Bône, Algeria, having her aft section badly damaged and starboard engine immobilised, both shafts bent. Flooding was fast, so she was beached. She was later patched, refloated, towed back in port by Clacton, repaired and towed back home by the tug Frisky Convoy MKS-15. Repairs ended at Liverpool in July but she was paid off, transferred on loan to the Royal Norwegian Navy on 8 August 1944 as HNoMS Arendal, decommissioned 16 November 1944. After 1946 she wa smodernized and remained in service until 1956 as frigate, then TS for cadets, decom. 1961. scrapped 1965.

HMS Beaufort (1941)

Beaufort was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 17 July 1940, launched on 9 June 1941, and completed on 3 November 1941. Commissioned under command of Standish O’Grady Roche, she was assigned to the 5th DF, Mediterranean Fleet, Alexandria, arriving on February 1942. On the 12th she left woth the Malta-bound Convoy MW.9, attacked by air on 13 February (Clan Campbell damaged, Clan Chattan sunk, Rowallan Castle scuttled). Next she was with Convoy MW.10 from 19 March. Heythrop was sunk by U-652 on 20 March. On 22 March Littorio attempted to attack with three heavy cruisers leading to the Second Battle of Sirte. The cover force was detached but the Hunts remained with the convoy. Clan Campbell and Breconshire were sunk by axis bombers, the remainder arrived in Malta on 26 March. By 13 June she took part in Operation Vigorous, while Operation Harpoon started from the west (Gibraltar). Heavy air attacks and the Italian battle fleet defeated Operation Vigorous back to Egypt (HMS Hermione, the DDs Airedale, Hasty, Nestor, 2 merchant ships sunk. On the night of 11/12 July with other DEs she shelled Mersa Matruh, sank the cargo Sturla already damaged by Albacores. On 13–15 Sept. she was in Operation Agreement on Tobruk (Coventry, Sikh, Zulu lost).

By July 1943 she took part in Operation Husky, the landings on Sicily as part of Escort Group P. In September she was supporting the landings at Salerno. In October she was in the Aegean for the Dodecanese Campaign, attacking a German convoy on 15/16 October and on 10/11 November shelled Kos. On 12/13 and 13/14 November they tried to intercept convoys to Leros, on the 12th she shelled German troops on Leros. On 22 January 1944 she took part in Operation Avalanche, the Allied landings at Anzio. In August this was Operation Dragoon in Southern France. On 10 June 1945 she was back at Cardiff for a refit, abandoned at V-Day. She was towed to Devonport in reserve, then in 1949, Category C Reserve, but on 31 October 1951 she was loaned to the Royal Norwegian Navy, modernized and adopted as Haugesund, sold 1956, decom. 1965.

HMS Bedale (1941)

HMS Bedale was built at R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie and Company, Hebburn-on-Tyne, laid down on 25 May 1940, launched on23 July 1941, and completed on 9 May 1942. Fate: Loaned to Polish Navy as ORP Ślązak in 1942; returned 1946; sold to Indian Navy & commissioned as INS Godavari (D92) in 1953; scrapped 1979

HMS Bicester (1941)

HMS Bicester was built at R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie and Company, Hebburn-on-Tyne, laid down on 29 May 1940, launched on5 September 1941, and completed on 9 May 1942. Fate: Scrapped at Grays, 22 August 1956.

HMS Blackmore (1941)

HMS Blackmore was built at Alexander Stephen and Sons, Glasgow, laid down on 10 February 1940, launched on 2 December 1941, and completed on 14 April 1942. Fate: Transferred to Royal Danish Navy in 1954 as Esbern Snare (F341); scrapped 1966

HMS Blankney (1940)

HMS Blankney was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 17 May 1940, launched on 19 December 1940, and completed on 11 April 1941. Fate: Scrapped 1957

HMS Blencathra (1940)

HMS Blencathra was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 18 November 1939, launched on 6 August 1940, and completed on 14 December 1940. Fate: Scrapped at Barrow, 2 January 1957

HMS Bramham (1941)

HMS Bramham was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 8 August 1940, launched on 25 July 1941, and completed on 3 December 1941. Fate: Transferred to Royal Hellenic Navy as Themistocles in 1946; scrapped 1960

HMS Brocklesby (1941)

HMS Brocklesby was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 14 August 1940, launched on 30 December 1941, and completed on 3 April 1942. Fate: Sold for scrap 1968

HMS Calpe (1941)

HMS Calpe was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 20 September 1940, launched on 30 August 1941, and completed on 30 December 1941. Fate: Transferred to Royal Danish Navy in 1954 as Rolf Krake (F342); scrapped 1966

HMS Chiddingfold (1941)

HMS Chiddingfold was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 15 July 1940, launched on 19 August 1941, and completed on 22 November 1941. Fate: Sold to Indian Navy; commissioned as INS Ganga (D94) in 1953; scrapped circa 1975

HMS Cowdray (1942)

HMS Cowdray was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 10 September 1940, launched on 27 March 1942, and completed on 4 June 1942. Fate: Scrapped 1959

HMS Croome (1939)

HMS Croome was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 5 November 1940, launched on 30 September 1941, and completed on 22 November 1941. Fate: Scrapped 1957

HMS Dulverton (1941)

HMS Dulverton was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 8 October 1940, launched on 23 April 1941, and completed on 3 September 1941. Fate: Scuttled by HMS Belvoir after being hit by a Hs 293 glider bomb, 13 November 1943

HMS Eridge (1941)

HMS Eridge was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 25 October 1940, launched on 23 March 1941, and completed on 16 September 1941. Fate: Sold for scrap 1946

HMS Exmoor (1940)

HMS Exmoor was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 6 August 1939, launched on 20 February 1940, and completed on 20 June 1940. Fate: Transferred to Royal Danish Navy in 1954 as Valdemar Sejr (F343); scrapped 1966

HMS Farndale (1942)

HMS Farndale was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 28 September 1940, launched on 11 April 1942, and completed on 12 September 1942. Fate: Scrapped at Blyth, 4 December 1962

HMS Grove (1939)

HMS Grove was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 21 November 1940, launched on 28 April 1942, and completed on 14 August 1942. Fate: Sunk by U-77, 12 June 1942

HMS Heythrop (1942)

HMS Heythrop was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 10 January 1941, launched on 30 September 1942, and completed on 23 January 1943. Fate: Sunk by U-652, 20 March 1942

HMS Hursley (1942)

HMS Hursley was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 25 February 1941, launched on 10 October 1942, and completed on 15 February 1943. Fate: Transferred to Royal Hellenic Navy as Kriti

HMS Hurworth (1939)

HMS Hurworth was built at R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie and Company, Hebburn-on-Tyne, laid down on 20 March 1940, launched on 8 November 1940, and completed on 20 March 1941. Fate: Sank after hitting a mine, 22 October 1943

HMS Lamerton (1942)

HMS Lamerton was built at R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie and Company, Hebburn-on-Tyne, laid down on 28 March 1941, launched on 18 September 1942, and completed on 16 February 1943. Fate: Sold to Indian Navy; commissioned as INS Gomati (D93) in 1953

HMS Lauderdale (1939)

HMS Lauderdale was built at Alexander Stephen and Sons, Glasgow, laid down on 14 April 1941, launched on 12 November 1942, and completed on 8 March 1943. Fate: Loaned to Royal Hellenic Navy as Aigaion in 1946; discarded 1959

HMS Ledbury (1942)

HMS Ledbury was built at Alexander Stephen and Sons, Glasgow was laid down on 1 May 1941, launched on 15 December 1942, and completed on 10 April 1943. Fate: Scrapped 1958

HMS Liddesdale (1939)

HMS Liddesdale was built at Vickers-Armstrongs, Tyne, laid down on 10 May 1941, launched on 20 March 1943, and completed on 7 August 1943. Fate: Broken up 1948

HMS Middleton (1939)

HMS Middleton was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 3 June 1940, launched on 16 March 1942, and completed on 8 August 1942. Fate: Scrapped 1958

HMS Oakley (i) (1942)

HMS Oakley was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 15 June 1940, launched on 21 May 1942, and completed on 15 August 1942. Fate: Transferred to Polish Navy as Kujawiak; sunk after hitting mine 16 June 1942

HMS Oakley (ii) (1942)

HMS Oakley was built at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, laid down on 20 July 1941 (as Tickham) and launched on 14 June 1942. She was completed on 10 November 1942. Fate: Sold to West Germany in 1958; served as Gneisenau; broken up 1972

HMS Puckeridge (1943)

HMS Puckeridge was built at Alexander Stephen and Sons, Glasgow, laid down on 14 July 1941, launched on 27 March 1943, and completed on 3 August 1943. Fate: Sunk by U-boat U-617, 6 September 1943

HMS Silverton (1939)

HMS Silverton was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 15 August 1941, launched on 18 June 1943, and completed on 14 September 1943. Fate: Transferred to Polish Navy as Krakowiak

HMS Southwold (1939)

HMS Southwold was built at John Brown & Company, Clydebank, laid down on 10 March 1939, launched on 17 October 1939, and completed on 20 January 1940. Fate: Sunk by a mine, 24 March 1942

HMS Tetcott (1939)

HMS Tetcott was built at Alexander Stephen and Sons, Glasgow, laid down on 12 August 1941, launched on 23 July 1943, and completed on 20 November 1943. Fate: Scrapped 1957

HMS Wheatland (1943)

HMS Wheatland was built at Alexander Stephen and Sons, Glasgow, laid down on 28 August 1941, launched on 5 August 1943, and completed on 12 November 1943. Fate: Scrapped 1959

HMS Wilton (1943)

HMS Wilton was built at Yarrow Shipbuilders, Scotstoun, laid down on 18 September 1941, launched on 21 October 1943, and completed on 1 February 1944. Fate: Scrapped 1958

HMS Zetland (1942)

HMS Zetland was built at Alexander Stephen and Sons, Glasgow, laid down on 30 July 1940, launched on 23 March 1942, and completed on 29 July 1942. Fate: Loaned to Norway 1952; sold to Norway 1956; scrapped 1965