G and H class destroyer
Encyclopedia
The G- and H-class destroyers were a class
of twenty-four destroyer
s of the Royal Navy
(two later transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy
and one to the Polish Navy
) launched in 1935–1939. They served in World War II
and sixteen were lost, with a seventeenth being written off as a constructive total loss. Other ships were built for the navies of Argentina
, Brazil
, and Greece.
, with a slight reduction in dimensions by the reduction of cruising turbines. Armament in the Gs was same as the Fs, the 40° elevation of the guns in the CP (central pivot) Mark XVII being achieved by the simple but clumsy use of deck wells. Glowworm trialled the new quintuple PR Mk. I torpedo tubes, her sisters retaining the quadruple Mk.VIII. All G-class ships had tripod foremasts and pole mainmasts.
Hero and Hereward saw the introduction of a new style of bridge that would become standard on all Royal Navy fleet destroyers from the I class
through to the Battle class
of 1944. This was necessary as Hereward carried a prototype twin 4.7 inches (119.4 mm) gun mounting CP Mark XIX that was to be fitted to the Tribal
and the J, K and N
classes. This weapon had a trunnion
height 13 inches higher than the previous weapons, therefore it was necessary to raise the wheelhouse to allow the helmsman to see over the top. Raising the wheelhouse meant it had to be placed in front of, rather than underneath, the bridge, and it was given sloping, armoured faces, resulting in a characteristic wedge shape, with a sloping roof to give the bridge a view over the fo'c'sle
. Internally, the H class were as per the G class, except Hyperion, which received a single Johnson type boiler that was both smaller, lighter, and more economical than the Admiralty design. All ships had pole masts fore and aft and were fitted with TSDS (Two Speed Destroyer Sweeps) minesweeping
gear.
s were built to an enlarged design, incorporating a fifth 4.7 inch gun in 'Q' position, between the funnels. They were based on the F-class leader, Faulknor
. Grenville was slightly shorter as she used compact Yarrow-type side fired boilers. Hardy could be identified by having a tripod foremast. Both ships were early wartime losses and consequently received no modifications.
.
In late 1940, 9th Destroyer Flotilla was transferred to the Western Approaches Command
and re-designated 9th Escort Group. In March 1942, the remaining five Havant-class destroyers were designated group leaders of the Mid-Ocean Escort Force
through the winter of 1942-43.
HMS Hurricane was leader of Escort Group B-1 for convoys HX-187, ONS-96, HX-193, ONS-108, SC-92, ON119/HX-201, ONS-124, HX-206, ONS-134, SC-105, HX-215, ON-151, SC-114, ON-162, SC-119, ONS-171, HX-230, ON-178 and HX-236.
HMS Hesperus was leader of Escort Group B-2 for convoys SC-81, ON-97, SC-86, ON-107, HX-198, ONS-118, HX-203, ONS-128, HX-208, ONS-138, HX213, ONS-148, HX219, ON-159, SC-118, ON-170, SC-123, ONS-4, SC-129 and ONS-9.
HMS Harvester was leader of Escort Group B-3 for convoys HX-188, ONS-98, HX-194, ONS-110, SC-93, ON-121/HX-202, ONS-126, HX-207, ONS-136, SC-106, ONS-146, HX-218, ON-157, SC-117, ONS-167, and was sunk while escorting HX-228.
HMS Highlander was leader of Escort Group B-4 for convoys SC-82, ON-99, SC-87, ON-109, HX-199, ONS-120, HX-204, ONS-130, HX-209, ONS-140, HX-214, ONS-150, HX-220, ON-161, ONS-169, HX-229
, ON-176, HX-234, and ON-183.
HMS Havelock was leader of Escort Group B-5 in the Caribbean until escorting convoys ON-168, SC-122
, SC-126 and ONS-7.
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These six ships were ordered by the Brazilian Navy
but on the outbreak of World War II
they were requisitioned by the Royal Navy
. They are usually included with the H class.
as the Buenos Aires class
, they were delivered in 1938. They were built by Vickers Armstrongs (Barrow), Cammell Laird and John Brown & Company
(Clydebank
).
ordered six Jarua-class ships from Britain in 1938. These ships were purchased by Britain on the outbreak of war in 1939 and are described above. The Brazilians decided to produce indigenous destroyers, the , at the Ihla das Cobras shipyard, Rio de Janeiro
. The design was based on the H-class plans supplied by Britain, but with guns and machinery supplied by the USA. Although laid down in 1940, the ships were not completed until 1949–51.
s and 37 mm AA guns
. The installation of the armament was carried out in Greece as the Germans refused to ship the weapons to Britain.
Two further ships, the Vasilefs Konstantinos and Vasilissa Sofia, named after King Constantine I
and Queen Sofia
respectively, were to be built in Greece, but construction halted due to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Ship class
A ship class is a group of ships of a similar design. This is distinct from a ship-type, which might reflect a similarity of tonnage or intended use. For example, the is a nuclear aircraft carrier of the Nimitz class....
of twenty-four destroyer
Destroyer
In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast and maneuverable yet long-endurance warship intended to escort larger vessels in a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend them against smaller, powerful, short-range attackers. Destroyers, originally called torpedo-boat destroyers in 1892, evolved from...
s of the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
(two later transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy
Royal Canadian Navy
The history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
and one to the Polish Navy
Polish Navy
The Marynarka Wojenna Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej - MW RP Polish Navy, is the branch of Republic of Poland Armed Forces responsible for naval operations...
) launched in 1935–1939. They served in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and sixteen were lost, with a seventeenth being written off as a constructive total loss. Other ships were built for the navies of Argentina
Argentine Navy
The Navy of the Argentine Republic or Armada of the Argentine Republic is the navy of Argentina. It is one of the three branches of the Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic, together with the Army and the Air Force....
, Brazil
Brazilian Navy
The Brazilian Navy is a branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces responsible for conducting naval operations. It is the largest navy in Latin America...
, and Greece.
G class
The G class were ordered as part of the 1933 naval construction programme, the H class following in 1934. They were generally repeats of the preceding F classE and F class destroyer
The E and F class was a class of 18 destroyers of the Royal Navy that served during the Second World War. Three ships were later transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy, one to the Royal Hellenic Navy and one to the Dominican Navy. Launched in 1934, they served in the Second World War. Nine were lost...
, with a slight reduction in dimensions by the reduction of cruising turbines. Armament in the Gs was same as the Fs, the 40° elevation of the guns in the CP (central pivot) Mark XVII being achieved by the simple but clumsy use of deck wells. Glowworm trialled the new quintuple PR Mk. I torpedo tubes, her sisters retaining the quadruple Mk.VIII. All G-class ships had tripod foremasts and pole mainmasts.
H class
The H class were repeats of the Gs, but a more satisfactory solution was found to achieve the gun elevation, by rearranging the breech end of the guns, the mountings CP Mk.XVIII could elevate to 40° without the need for the deck wells. Despite the availability of the quintuple tubes as trialled in Glowworm, these were not fitted due to topweight concerns. Design improvements and the increased use of welding resulted in a decrease in displacement of some 50 tons.Hero and Hereward saw the introduction of a new style of bridge that would become standard on all Royal Navy fleet destroyers from the I class
I class destroyer
The I class was a class of eight destroyers plus a flotilla leader of the British Royal Navy ordered under the 1935 naval programme, laid down in 1936 and completed in 1937 and 1938...
through to the Battle class
Battle class destroyer
The Battle class were a class of destroyers of the British Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy . Built in three groups, the first group were ordered under the 1942 naval estimates. A modified second and third group, together with two ships of an extended design were planned for the 1943 and 1944...
of 1944. This was necessary as Hereward carried a prototype twin 4.7 inches (119.4 mm) gun mounting CP Mark XIX that was to be fitted to the Tribal
Tribal class destroyer (1936)
The Tribal class, or Afridi class, were a class of destroyers built for the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Australian Navy that saw service in World War II...
and the J, K and N
J, K and N class destroyer
The J, K and N class was a class of 24 destroyers of the Royal Navy launched in 1938. They were a return to a smaller vessel, with a heavier torpedo armament, after the Tribal class that emphasised guns over torpedoes. The ships were built in three flotillas or groups, eight each of ships with...
classes. This weapon had a trunnion
Trunnion
A trunnion is a cylindrical protrusion used as a mounting and/or pivoting point. In a cannon, the trunnions are two projections cast just forward of the centre of mass of the cannon and fixed to a two-wheeled movable gun carriage...
height 13 inches higher than the previous weapons, therefore it was necessary to raise the wheelhouse to allow the helmsman to see over the top. Raising the wheelhouse meant it had to be placed in front of, rather than underneath, the bridge, and it was given sloping, armoured faces, resulting in a characteristic wedge shape, with a sloping roof to give the bridge a view over the fo'c'sle
Forecastle
Forecastle refers to the upper deck of a sailing ship forward of the foremast, or the forward part of a ship with the sailors' living quarters...
. Internally, the H class were as per the G class, except Hyperion, which received a single Johnson type boiler that was both smaller, lighter, and more economical than the Admiralty design. All ships had pole masts fore and aft and were fitted with TSDS (Two Speed Destroyer Sweeps) minesweeping
Minesweeper (ship)
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
gear.
Flotilla leaders
As per the E and F class, the flotilla leaderFlotilla leader
A flotilla leader was a warship suitable for commanding a flotilla of destroyers or other small warships, typically a small cruiser or a large destroyer...
s were built to an enlarged design, incorporating a fifth 4.7 inch gun in 'Q' position, between the funnels. They were based on the F-class leader, Faulknor
HMS Faulknor (H62)
HMS Faulknor was a F class destroyer flotilla leader of the British Royal Navy in commission from 1934. The ship had a particularly active operational role during World War II, being awarded 11 battle honours, and was known as "The hardest worked destroyer in the Fleet"...
. Grenville was slightly shorter as she used compact Yarrow-type side fired boilers. Hardy could be identified by having a tripod foremast. Both ships were early wartime losses and consequently received no modifications.
Havant class
The Havants were laid down in 1938 for Brazil. They has pole masts forward and tripods aft, were completed without 'Y' gun on the quarterdeck, allowing an increase in depth charge stowage, and with the funnels cut down to improve the field of fire for A/A weapons. They were completed with rangefinders only, but later shipped the designed combined rangefinder-director on the bridge, as opposed to the separated functions of their half sisters. After commissioning into the Royal Navy, Handy and Hearty were renamed Harvester and Hesperus respectively to avoid confusion with Hardy. The six Havant-class destroyers initially formed the 9th Destroyer Flotilla of the Home Fleet assigned to anti-submarine protection of Scapa FlowScapa Flow
right|thumb|Scapa Flow viewed from its eastern endScapa Flow is a body of water in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom, sheltered by the islands of Mainland, Graemsay, Burray, South Ronaldsay and Hoy. It is about...
.
In late 1940, 9th Destroyer Flotilla was transferred to the Western Approaches Command
Western Approaches Command
Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches was the commander of a major operational command of the Royal Navy during World War II. The admiral commanding, and his forces, sometimes informally known as 'Western Approaches Command,' were responsible for the safety of British shipping in the Western...
and re-designated 9th Escort Group. In March 1942, the remaining five Havant-class destroyers were designated group leaders of the Mid-Ocean Escort Force
Mid-Ocean Escort Force
Mid-Ocean Escort Force referred to the organization of anti-submarine escorts for World War II trade convoys between Canada and the British Isles...
through the winter of 1942-43.
HMS Hurricane was leader of Escort Group B-1 for convoys HX-187, ONS-96, HX-193, ONS-108, SC-92, ON119/HX-201, ONS-124, HX-206, ONS-134, SC-105, HX-215, ON-151, SC-114, ON-162, SC-119, ONS-171, HX-230, ON-178 and HX-236.
HMS Hesperus was leader of Escort Group B-2 for convoys SC-81, ON-97, SC-86, ON-107, HX-198, ONS-118, HX-203, ONS-128, HX-208, ONS-138, HX213, ONS-148, HX219, ON-159, SC-118, ON-170, SC-123, ONS-4, SC-129 and ONS-9.
HMS Harvester was leader of Escort Group B-3 for convoys HX-188, ONS-98, HX-194, ONS-110, SC-93, ON-121/HX-202, ONS-126, HX-207, ONS-136, SC-106, ONS-146, HX-218, ON-157, SC-117, ONS-167, and was sunk while escorting HX-228.
HMS Highlander was leader of Escort Group B-4 for convoys SC-82, ON-99, SC-87, ON-109, HX-199, ONS-120, HX-204, ONS-130, HX-209, ONS-140, HX-214, ONS-150, HX-220, ON-161, ONS-169, HX-229
Convoys HX.229/SC.122
The battle around convoys HX 229 and SC 122 occurred during March 1943 in the Battle of the Atlantic, and was the largest convoy battle of World War II. British merchant shipping was formed into convoys for protection against...
, ON-176, HX-234, and ON-183.
HMS Havelock was leader of Escort Group B-5 in the Caribbean until escorting convoys ON-168, SC-122
Convoys HX.229/SC.122
The battle around convoys HX 229 and SC 122 occurred during March 1943 in the Battle of the Atlantic, and was the largest convoy battle of World War II. British merchant shipping was formed into convoys for protection against...
, SC-126 and ONS-7.
G class
| Ship | Pennant number | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Completed | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallant HMS Gallant (H59) HMS Gallant was a G-class destroyer, built for the Royal Navy in the mid 1930s. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 the ship spent considerable time in Spanish waters, enforcing the arms blockade imposed by Britain and France on both sides of the conflict... |
H59 | Alexander Stephen and Sons Alexander Stephen and Sons Alexander Stephen and Sons Limited, often referred to simply as Alex Stephens or just Stephens, was a Scottish shipbuilding company based in Linthouse, Govan in Glasgow, on the River Clyde.-History:... , Linthouse Linthouse Linthouse is a district in the Scottish city of Glasgow. It is situated south of the River Clyde. It is immediately west of Govan, and although it is often referred to locally as 'Govan' due to its closeness, it is in fact a distinct area .Linthouse was home to the shipbuilder... |
15 September 1934 | 26 September 1935 | 25 February 1936 | Constructive total loss after striking a mine near Malta Malta Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in... on 20 January 1941 |
| Garland | H37 | Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Company, Govan Govan Govan is a district and former burgh now part of southwest City of Glasgow, Scotland. It is situated west of Glasgow city centre, on the south bank of the River Clyde, opposite the mouth of the River Kelvin and the district of Partick.... |
22 August 1934 | 24 October 1935 | 3 March 1936 | Transferred to the Polish Navy Polish Navy The Marynarka Wojenna Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej - MW RP Polish Navy, is the branch of Republic of Poland Armed Forces responsible for naval operations... as ORP Garland in 1940. Post-war transferred to Dutch navy and scrapped in 1964 |
| Gipsy HMS Gipsy (H63) HMS Gipsy was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy during the 1930s. She spent most of the pre-war period as part of the Mediterranean Fleet. The ship was transferred to the British Isles to escort shipping in local waters shortly after the beginning of World War II... |
H63 | Fairfield, Govan | 4 September 1934 | 7 November 1935 | 22 February 1936 | Sunk by a mine near Harwich Harwich Harwich is a town in Essex, England and one of the Haven ports, located on the coast with the North Sea to the east. It is in the Tendring district. Nearby places include Felixstowe to the northeast, Ipswich to the northwest, Colchester to the southwest and Clacton-on-Sea to the south... on 21 November 1939 |
| Glowworm HMS Glowworm (H92) HMS Glowworm was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the mid-1930s. During the Spanish Civil War the ship spent part of 1936 and 1937 in Spanish waters, enforcing the arms blockade imposed by Britain and France on both sides of the conflict... |
H92 | John I. Thornycroft & Company John I. Thornycroft & Company John I. Thornycroft & Company Limited, usually known simply as Thornycroft was a British shipbuilding firm started by John Isaac Thornycroft in the 19th century.-History:... , Woolston |
15 August 1934 | 22 July 1935 | 22 January 1936 | Sunk while ramming the German cruiser Admiral Hipper German cruiser Admiral Hipper Admiral Hipper, the first of five ships of her class, was the lead ship of the Admiral Hipper–class of heavy cruisers which served with the German Kriegsmarine during World War II. The ship was laid down at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg in July 1935 and launched February 1937; Admiral Hipper... on 8 April 1940 |
| Grafton HMS Grafton (H89) HMS Grafton was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy during the mid-1930s. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 the ship spent considerable time in Spanish waters, enforcing the arms blockade imposed by Britain and France on both sides of the conflict... |
H89 | Thornycroft | 30 August 1934 | 18 September 1935 | 20 March 1936 | Sunk by U 62 German submarine U-62 (1939) German submarine U-62 was a Type IIC U-boat of the German Kriegsmarine that served in World War II. She was produced by Deutsche Werke AG, Kiel, and was commissioned on 21 December 1939.... on 29 May 1940 |
| Grenade HMS Grenade (H86) HMS Grenade was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy during the 1930s. She was transferred from the Mediterranean Fleet shortly after the beginning of World War II to the British Isles. The ship participated in the early stages of the Norwegian Campaign in April 1940... |
H86 | Stephen | 3 October 1934 | 12 November 1935 | 28 March 1936 | Sunk by air attack at off Dunkirk Battle of Dunkirk The Battle of Dunkirk was a battle in the Second World War between the Allies and Germany. A part of the Battle of France on the Western Front, the Battle of Dunkirk was the defence and evacuation of British and allied forces in Europe from 26 May–4 June 1940.After the Phoney War, the Battle of... on 29 May 1940 |
| Grenville HMS Grenville (H03) HMS Grenville was the flotilla leader for the G-class destroyers, built for the Royal Navy in the mid-1930s. She spent most of the pre-war period as part of the Mediterranean Fleet. The ship was transferred to the British Isles to escort shipping in local waters shortly after the beginning of... |
H03 | Yarrow & Company, Scotstoun Scotstoun Scotstoun is a historic district of Glasgow, Scotland, west of Glasgow City Centre. It is bounded by Yoker and Knightswood to the west, Victoria Park, Broomhill and Whiteinch to the east, Jordanhill to the north and the River Clyde to the south... |
29 September 1934 | 15 August 1935 | 1 July 1936 | Sunk by a mine on 19 January 1940. |
| Greyhound HMS Greyhound (H05) HMS Greyhound was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the 1930s. Greyhound participated in the Norwegian Campaign in April 1940, the Dunkirk evacuation in May and the Battle of Dakar in September before being transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet in November... |
H05 | Vickers Armstrongs, Barrow-in-Furness Barrow-in-Furness Barrow-in-Furness is an industrial town and seaport which forms about half the territory of the wider Borough of Barrow-in-Furness in the county of Cumbria, England. It lies north of Liverpool, northwest of Manchester and southwest from the county town of Carlisle... |
20 September 1934 | 15 August 1935 | 1 February 1936 | Sunk by German dive-bombers in the Battle of Crete Battle of Crete The Battle of Crete was a battle during World War II on the Greek island of Crete. It began on the morning of 20 May 1941, when Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete under the code-name Unternehmen Merkur... on 22 May 1941 |
| Griffin HMS Griffin (H31) HMS Griffin was a G-class destroyer, built for the Royal Navy in the mid-1930s. During World War II, the ship participated in the Norwegian Campaign of April–May 1940 and the Battle of Dakar in September before being transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet in November... |
H31 | Vickers Armstrongs, Barrow | 20 September 1934 | 15 August 1935 | 6 March 1936 | Transferred to the Canada Royal Canadian Navy The history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces... as HMCS Ottawa |
H class
| Ship | Pennant number | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Completed | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardy HMS Hardy (1936) |HMS Hardy was the flotilla leader for the H-class destroyers, built for the Royal Navy in the mid-1930s. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 the ship spent considerable time in Spanish waters, enforcing the arms blockade imposed by Britain and France on both sides of the conflict... |
(H87) Flotilla Leader | Cammell Laird & Company, Birkenhead Birkenhead Birkenhead is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England. It is on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite the city of Liverpool... |
30 May 1935 | 7 April 1936 | 11 December 1936 | Sunk by gunfire from German destroyer Georg Thiele on 10 April 1940 in the First battle of Narvik. |
| Hasty | H24 | William Denny & Brothers, Dumbarton | 15 April 1935 | 5 May 1936 | 11 November 1936 | torpedoed by the German motor torpedo boat S-55 on 14 June 1942, sunk near Derna by Hotspur on 15 June 1942. |
| Havock | H43 | Denny | 15 May 1935 | 7 July 1936 | 16 January 1937 | grounded near Kelibia Kelibia Kelibia is a coastal town on the Cap Bon peninsula, Nabeul province in the far northeastern part of Tunisia. Its sand beaches are considered one the finest of the Mediterranean sea.... , Tunisia Tunisia Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area... and scuttled on 6 April 1942. |
| Hereward | H93 | Vickers Armstrongs, Walker Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne Walker is a residential suburb and electoral ward just east of the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Walker's name is a hybrid of Old English and Viking Norse, "Wall-kjerr", where "kjerr" is Norse for "marshy woodland"... |
28 February 1935 | 10 March 1936 | 9 December 1936 | sunk by German Ju 87 Junkers Ju 87 The Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka was a two-man German ground-attack aircraft... dive-bombers near Plaka Plaka Pláka is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens... , Crete Crete Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits... on 29 May 1941. |
| Hero HMS Hero (H99) HMS Hero was an H-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the mid-1930s. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 the ship enforced the arms blockade imposed by Britain and France on both sides as part of the Mediterranean Fleet... |
H99 | Vickers Armstrong, Walker | 28 February 1935 | 10 March 1936 | 21 October 1936 | Transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy as HMCS Chaudiere. |
| Hostile HMS Hostile (H55) HMS Hostile was an H-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the 1930s. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 the ship spent considerable time in Spanish waters, enforcing the arms blockade imposed by Britain and France on both sides of the conflict... |
H55 | Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Company, Greenock Greenock Greenock is a town and administrative centre in the Inverclyde council area in United Kingdom, and a former burgh within the historic county of Renfrewshire, located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland... |
27 February 1935 | 24 January 1936 | 10 September 1936 | damaged by a mine on 23 August 1940 and sunk by Hero. |
| Hotspur HMS Hotspur (H01) HMS Hotspur was an H-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy during the 1930s. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 the ship spent considerable time in Spanish waters, enforcing the arms blockade imposed by Britain and France on both sides of the conflict... |
H01 | Scotts | 27 February 1935 | 23 March 1936 | 29 December 1936 | Sold to the Dominican Republic's Navy 1949 |
| Hunter HMS Hunter (H35) HMS Hunter was a H-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the mid-1930s. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 the ship enforced the arms blockade imposed on both sides by Britain and France, until she struck a mine in May 1937. She was under repair for the next year and a half, after... |
H35 | Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter, formerly known as "Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson", was one of the best known shipbuilding companies in the world. Based in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, the company was responsible for some of the greatest ships of the early 20th century — most famously, the RMS Mauretania which... , Wallsend Wallsend Wallsend is an area in North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, England. Wallsend derives its name as the location of the end of Hadrian's Wall. It has a population of 42,842.-Romans:... |
27 March 1935 | 25 February 1936 | 30 September 1936 | sunk by German destroyers on 10 April 1940 in the battle of Narvik. |
| Hyperion HMS Hyperion (H97) HMS Hyperion was an H-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy during the mid-1930s. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 the ship enforced the arms blockade imposed by Britain and France on both sides as part of the Mediterranean Fleet... |
H97 | Swan Hunter | 27 March 1935 | 8 April 1936 | 3 December 1936 | sunk by a mine near Pantelleria Pantelleria Pantelleria , the ancient Cossyra, is an Italian island in the Strait of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, southwest of Sicily and just east of the Tunisian coast. Administratively Pantelleria is a comune belonging to the Sicilian province of Trapani... on 22 December 1940. |
Havant class
Brazilian Navy
The Brazilian Navy is a branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces responsible for conducting naval operations. It is the largest navy in Latin America...
but on the outbreak of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
they were requisitioned by the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
. They are usually included with the H class.
| Ship | Pennant Number | Builder | Launched | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvester HMS Harvester (H19) HMS Harvester was an H-class destroyer originally ordered by the Brazilian Navy with the name Jurua in the late 1930s, but was bought by the Royal Navy after the beginning of World War II in September 1939. Almost immediately after commissioning, in May 1940, the ship began evacuating Allied troops... , ex-Handy, ex-Jurua |
H19 | Vickers Armstrongs, Barrow | 29 September 1939 | Sunk by U-432 on 11 March 1943. |
| Havant HMS Havant (H32) HMS Havant was an H-class destroyer originally ordered by the Brazilian Navy with the name Javary in the late 1930s, but was bought by the Royal Navy after the beginning of World War II in September 1939. The ship was initially assigned to escort duties in the Western Approaches, but was... , ex-Javary |
H32 | J. Samuel White J. Samuel White J. Samuel White was a British shipbuilding firm based in Cowes, taking its name from John Samuel White . It came to prominence during the Victorian era... , Cowes Cowes Cowes is an English seaport town and civil parish on the Isle of Wight. Cowes is located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east Bank... |
17 July 1939 | Damaged by air attack during the battle of Dunkirk Battle of Dunkirk The Battle of Dunkirk was a battle in the Second World War between the Allies and Germany. A part of the Battle of France on the Western Front, the Battle of Dunkirk was the defence and evacuation of British and allied forces in Europe from 26 May–4 June 1940.After the Phoney War, the Battle of... on 1 June 1940 and sunk by HMS Saltash HMS Saltash (J62) HMS Saltash was a Royal Navy Hunt class minesweeper, built by Murdoch and Murray of Port Glasgow, launched 25 June 1918 and served through the last few months of World War I as well as through all of World War II... |
| Havelock HMS Havelock (H88) HMS Havelock was an Havant class destroyer of the Royal Navy.- History :She was originally laid down as Jutahy for the Brazilian Navy by White at Cowes. Jutahy was launched on 7 July 1936, and completed on 18 January 1937. Jutahy was one of six Brazilian destroyers purchased in September 1939,... , ex-Jutahy |
H88 | White | 16 October 1939 | broken up 1946 |
| Hesperus HMS Hesperus (H57) HMS Hesperus was an H-class destroyer originally ordered by the Brazilian Navy with the name Juruena in the late 1930s, but was bought by the Royal Navy after the beginning of World War II in September 1939.-Description:... , ex-Hearty, ex-Juruena |
H57 | Thornycroft | 1 August 1939 | Broken up 1946 |
| Highlander HMS Highlander (H44) HMS Highlander was classed as an H class destroyer of the Royal Navy. She had originally been built for the Brazilian Navy but was bought by Britain on the outbreak of the Second World War. She resembled the standard destroyers of H class but displaced 1,400 tons and was completed with extra depth... , ex-Juguaribe |
H44 | Thornycroft | 19 October 1939. | Broken up in 1947 |
| Hurricane HMS Hurricane (H06) HMS Hurricane was a Royal Navy Havant class destroyer built by Vickers Armstrong. Hurricane was launched on 29 September 1939 and sunk by U-415 on 24 December 1943 with Cdr. Charles Edward Eustace Paterson, RN as commander. The Hurricane sunk north-east of Azores in position 45º10'N, 22º05'W... , ex-Japarua |
H06 | Vickers Armstrongs, Barrow | 29 September 1939 | sunk by U-415 German submarine U-415 German submarine U-415 was a Type VIIC U-boat built for the German Kriegsmarine for service during World War II. She was commissioned on 5 August 1942 and completed eight war patrols before being sunk by a mine on 14 July 1944.... on 24 December 1943 |
Argentine Navy
Seven ships were built for the Argentine NavyArgentine Navy
The Navy of the Argentine Republic or Armada of the Argentine Republic is the navy of Argentina. It is one of the three branches of the Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic, together with the Army and the Air Force....
as the Buenos Aires class
Buenos Aires class destroyer
The Buenos Aires class destroyers were a group of destroyers built for the Argentine Navy in Britain in the 1930s.-Design:The ships were based on the contemporary G class destroyers building for the British Royal Navy, with some modifications to suit Argentinian requirements...
, they were delivered in 1938. They were built by Vickers Armstrongs (Barrow), Cammell Laird and John Brown & Company
John Brown & Company
John Brown and Company of Clydebank was a pre-eminent Scottish marine engineering and shipbuilding firm, responsible for building many notable and world-famous ships, such as the , the , the , the , the , and the...
(Clydebank
Clydebank
Clydebank is a town in West Dunbartonshire, in the Central Lowlands of Scotland. Situated on the north bank of the River Clyde, Clydebank borders Dumbarton, the town with which it was combined to form West Dunbartonshire, as well as the town of Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire, and the Yoker and...
).
Brazilian Navy
BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ordered six Jarua-class ships from Britain in 1938. These ships were purchased by Britain on the outbreak of war in 1939 and are described above. The Brazilians decided to produce indigenous destroyers, the , at the Ihla das Cobras shipyard, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
. The design was based on the H-class plans supplied by Britain, but with guns and machinery supplied by the USA. Although laid down in 1940, the ships were not completed until 1949–51.
Royal Hellenic Navy
Two ships, modified versions of the G class, were built for the Greek Royal Hellenic Navy by Yarrow. The ships were fitted with German-made 12.7 cm SK C/34 naval gun12.7 cm SK C/34 naval gun
The 12.7 cm SK C/34 was a German medium-caliber naval gun deployed on destroyers from 1934 through the Second World War. Some of these guns remained in service until 2003 in the coastal defense units of Norway.-Characteristics:...
s and 37 mm AA guns
3.7 cm SK C/30
The 3.7 cm SK C/30 was the German Kriegsmarine's primary anti-aircraft gun during the Second World War...
. The installation of the armament was carried out in Greece as the Germans refused to ship the weapons to Britain.
- Vasilefs GeorgiosGreek destroyer Vasilefs Georgios (D 14)Vasilefs Georgios was a Greek destroyer, the lead ship of its class, which served with the Royal Hellenic Navy and the German Kriegsmarine during the Second World War...
: Named after King George IGeorge I of GreeceGeorge I was King of Greece from 1863 to 1913. Originally a Danish prince, George was only 17 years old when he was elected king by the Greek National Assembly, which had deposed the former king Otto. His nomination was both suggested and supported by the Great Powers...
, she served with the RHN during the Greco-Italian WarGreco-Italian WarThe Greco-Italian War was a conflict between Italy and Greece which lasted from 28 October 1940 to 23 April 1941. It marked the beginning of the Balkans Campaign of World War II...
. Damaged by German aircraft, she managed to reach the SalamisSalamis IslandSalamis , is the largest Greek island in the Saronic Gulf, about 1 nautical mile off-coast from Piraeus and about 16 km west of Athens. The chief city, Salamina , lies in the west-facing core of the crescent on Salamis Bay, which opens into the Saronic Gulf...
Navy Yard and was put in drydock for repairs, where after further damage during German air attacks, she was finally scuttled to prevent capture. The Germans raised and repaired her and she was commissioned into the KriegsmarineKriegsmarineThe Kriegsmarine was the name of the German Navy during the Nazi regime . It superseded the Kaiserliche Marine of World War I and the post-war Reichsmarine. The Kriegsmarine was one of three official branches of the Wehrmacht, the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany.The Kriegsmarine grew rapidly...
as Hermes (ZG3) on 21 March 1942. Hermes was heavily damaged off Cape Bon on 30 April 1943 and scuttled on 7 May 1943. - Vasilissa OlgaGreek destroyer Vasilissa Olga (D 15)Vasilissa Olga was a Greek destroyer of the Vasilefs Georgios class, which served with the Royal Hellenic Navy during the Second World War, becoming its most distinguished and successful ship until her loss in 1943...
: Named after Queen Olga, she served with the RHN during the Greco-Italian WarGreco-Italian WarThe Greco-Italian War was a conflict between Italy and Greece which lasted from 28 October 1940 to 23 April 1941. It marked the beginning of the Balkans Campaign of World War II...
. Along with other ships, escaped to AlexandriaAlexandriaAlexandria is the second-largest city of Egypt, with a population of 4.1 million, extending about along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country; it is also the largest city lying directly on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt's largest seaport, serving...
in May 1941 and joined the Allied forces. She was lost to German aircraft while anchored in Lakki Bay, LerosLerosLeros is a Greek island and municipality in the Dodecanese in the southern Aegean Sea. It lies 317 km from Athens's port of Piraeus, from which it can be reached by an 11-hour ferry ride . Leros is part of the Kalymnos peripheral unit...
on 26 September 1943.
Two further ships, the Vasilefs Konstantinos and Vasilissa Sofia, named after King Constantine I
Constantine I of Greece
Constantine I was King of Greece from 1913 to 1917 and from 1920 to 1922. He was commander-in-chief of the Hellenic Army during the unsuccessful Greco-Turkish War of 1897 and led the Greek forces during the successful Balkan Wars of 1912–1913, in which Greece won Thessaloniki and doubled in...
and Queen Sofia
Sophia of Prussia
Princess Sophie of Prussia was Queen of the Hellenes as the wife of King Constantine I.-Princess of Prussia:...
respectively, were to be built in Greece, but construction halted due to the outbreak of the Second World War.