Post Description
voor de liefhebbers van anti-submarine warfare :)
HMS Hesperus/ex-Brazilian `H`-class Destroyer (Warship Profile 20)
When the torpedoing and sinking of the liner Athenia without warning by a German U-boat on the first day of World War II led to the immediate institution of a convoy system, the Admiralty became a victim of its own lack of foresight as well as the nation's parsimony in the provision of money for defence and found itself woefully short of ships suitable for escort duties. Covetous eyes were turned on the six destroyers similar to the British H' Class which were being built, two of each by Thornycroft, Samuel White and Vickers, for the Brazilian Navy. They were quickly requisitioned and completed with equipment limited to what was essential for anti-submarine warfare. One of these, launched by Thornycroft on 1 August 1939, was given the name Hearty. The phonetic risk of confusion with the flotilla leader Hardy. already in commission, caused this to be changed to Hesperus soon after commissioning under my command in January 1940.
Thanks to Chief Jollen :)
Comments # 0