1944 HMS GRAVELINES One of the first group of 16 ships of the Battle class, the biggest destroyers constructed for the Royal Navy during the Second World War.
THE BATTLE CLASS
The British Battle class destroyers were of 30 per cent greater displacement and 25 per cent greater power than those which had gone before, and were designed primarily for service in the Pacific. They were criticised as being somewhat under-gunned, and a second group of eight marginally beamier ships, completed after the war (16 further ships were cancelled), received an additional 4.5in (115mm) quick-firer. Constructed by Cammel Laird, HMS Gravelines was laid down in August 1943, launched on 30 November 1944 and entered service just after the end of the war. She was decommissioned in 1960 and sold for breaking up on 4 April 1961.
ARMAMENT AND EQUIPMENT
The two twin 4.5in (115mm) gun turrets were both mounted forward, and were true dual-purpose guns, being capable of elevation to 80 degrees. In addition, she mounted eight 40mm Bofors in twin triaxial mountings and eight 21 in (533mm) torpedo tubes, and carried 60 depth charges, deployed from racks. Some ships of the class (those which saw action in the Second World War, for the most part) received additional light anti-aircraft armament a mix of 2pdr pom-poms and Bofors in single mounts; Gravelines as constructed carried 14 X 40mm Bofors. The depth charge racks were later removed, and replaced by Squid anti-submarine mortars.
TECHNICAL DATA
Type: Destroyer
Machinery: 2-shaft geared turbines producing 50,000shp
Dimensions (overall): Length, 11 5.5m (379ft); beam, 1 2.3m (40.Sft)
Displacement: 231 5t standard; 3300t deep load
Draught: 46m (15.2ft) full load
Complement: 308
Speed: 35.75 knots (66km/h)
