Difference between revisions of "Acheron Class Destroyer (1910)"

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Twenty-nine [[Destroyer|destroyers]] of the '''Acheron Class''' were completed between 1911 and 1912.  Twenty were part of the 1910-1911 Programme, and an additional six (later nine) Specials were ordered.
+
Twenty-nine [[Destroyer|destroyers]] of the '''''Acheron'' Class''' (redesignated the '''"I" class''' in October, 1913){{Conways1906|p. 75}}) were completed between 1911 and 1912.  Twenty were part of the 1910-1911 Programme, and an additional six (later nine) Specials were ordered.
  
 
They were the last Royal Navy destroyers to use the 12-pdr gun.
 
They were the last Royal Navy destroyers to use the 12-pdr gun.
  
Most served in the {{UK-DF|1}} where their 60 test runs of 21-in Mark II torpedoes in the first half of 1916 were judged 87% likely to endanger the enemy.<ref>''Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1916'', p. 87.</ref> Other units served elsewhere;  {{UK-Oak}} served as the dispatch vessel to {{UK-IronDuke}} and {{UK-Firedrake}} and {{UK-Lurcher}} served with submarine flotillas in Harwich.<ref>March, p. 122.</ref>
+
Most served in the {{UK-DF|1}} where their 60 test runs of 21-in Mark II torpedoes in the first half of 1916 were judged 87% likely to endanger the enemy.{{ARTS1916|p. 87}} Other units served elsewhere;  {{UK-Oak}} served as the dispatch vessel to {{UK-IronDuke}} and {{UK-1Firedrake}} and {{UK-Lurcher}} served with submarine flotillas in Harwich.{{March|p. 122}}
  
In October, 1913, they were redesignated the "I" class.<ref>''Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships, 1906-1921'', p. 75.</ref>
+
<div name=fredbot:ships>
 +
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" border=2 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="margin: 0 0 1em 0.5em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse;" align=center;
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=6 align=left|Overview of 29 vessels
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=6 align=left|<small>Citations for this data available on individual ship pages</small>
 +
|-
 +
! align=center | Name
 +
! align=center | Builder
 +
! align=center | Laid Down
 +
! align=center | Launched
 +
! align=center | Completed
 +
! align=center | Fate
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Goshawk}}
 +
|[[William Beardmore & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|18 Oct, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 4 Nov, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Hind}}
 +
|[[John Brown & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|28 Jul, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Hornet}}
 +
|[[John Brown & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|20 Dec, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Hydra}}
 +
|[[John Brown & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|19 Feb, 1912
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-1Defender}}
 +
|[[William Denny & Brothers]]
 +
|
 +
|30 Aug, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 4 Nov, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Druid}}
 +
|[[William Denny & Brothers]]
 +
|
 +
|4 Dec, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Sandfly}}
 +
|[[Swan Hunter]]
 +
|
 +
|26 Jul, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Jackal}}
 +
|[[Hawthorn Leslie & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|9 Sep, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 28 Sep, 1920
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Tigress}}
 +
|[[Hawthorn Leslie & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|20 Dec, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Lapwing}}
 +
|[[Cammell Laird]]
 +
|
 +
|29 Jul, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 26 Oct, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Lizard}}
 +
|[[Cammell Laird]]
 +
|
 +
|10 Oct, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 4 Nov, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-1Phoenix}}
 +
|[[Vickers]]
 +
|
 +
|9 Oct, 1911
 +
|
 +
|Torpedoed 14 May, 1918
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Ferret}}
 +
|[[J. Samuel White]]
 +
|Sep, 1910
 +
|12 Apr, 1911
 +
|Oct, 1911
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-1Forester}}
 +
|[[J. Samuel White]]
 +
|
 +
|1 Jun, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 4 Nov, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Archer}}
 +
|[[Yarrow & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|21 Oct, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Attack}}
 +
|[[Yarrow & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|21 Dec, 1911
 +
|
 +
|Mined 30 Dec, 1917
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-1Acheron}}
 +
|[[John I. Thornycroft & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|27 Jun, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Ariel}}
 +
|[[John I. Thornycroft & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|26 Sep, 1911
 +
|
 +
|Mined 2 Aug, 1918
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Badger}}
 +
|[[William Denny & Brothers]]
 +
|
 +
|11 Jul, 1911
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Beaver}}
 +
|[[William Denny & Brothers]]
 +
|
 +
|6 Oct, 1911
 +
|Nov, 1912
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-1Firedrake}}
 +
|[[Yarrow & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|9 Apr, 1912
 +
|
 +
| 10 Oct, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Lurcher}}
 +
|[[Yarrow & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|1 Jun, 1912
 +
|
 +
| 9 Jun, 1922
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:UK-Oak}}
 +
|[[Yarrow & Company]]
 +
|
 +
|5 Sep, 1912
 +
|
 +
| 9 May, 1921
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:AU-Parramatta}}
 +
|[[Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company]]
 +
|
 +
|9 Feb, 1910
 +
|
 +
|Dismantled Oct, 1929
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:AU-Warrego}}
 +
|[[Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company]] and [[Cockatoo Dockyard]]
 +
|
 +
|4 Apr, 1911
 +
|
 +
|Dismantled Oct, 1929
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:AU-Yarra}}
 +
|[[William Denny & Brothers]]
 +
|
 +
|8 Apr, 1910
 +
|
 +
|Dismantled Oct, 1929
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:AU-Huon}}
 +
|[[Cockatoo Dockyard]]
 +
|
 +
|19 Dec, 1914
 +
|
 +
|Sunk 9 Apr, 1930
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:AU-Swan}}
 +
|[[Cockatoo Dockyard]]
 +
|
 +
|11 Dec, 1915
 +
|
 +
|Broken up Sep, 1929
 +
|- align=left
 +
| {{Template:AU-Torrens}}
 +
|[[Cockatoo Dockyard]]
 +
|
 +
|28 Aug, 1915
 +
|
 +
|Sunk 24 Nov, 1930
 +
|}
 +
</div name=fredbot:ships>
 +
 
 +
==Radio==
 +
In 1912, eighteen of the new destroyers were fitted with [[British Wireless Systems#Destroyer Set|Destroyer Sets]].  The pace of this initiative suggests that all units were probably so equipped by the start of the war.{{ARTS1912|Wireless Appendix, p. 6}}{{INF}}
 +
 
 +
==Searchlights==
 +
{{UK-Badger}}, at least, had a (hydraulic?) control system to control her searchlights whose success prompted an Admiralty order to fit the same gear to the earlier [[Beagle Class Destroyer (1909)|''Beagle'' class]].{{AWO1914|441 of 2 Oct, 1914}}  Just four days later, the twenty ''Acherons'' of the {{UK-DF|1}} were also ordered to have this equipment added.{{AWO1914|454 of 6 Oct, 1914}}
  
 
==Performance==
 
==Performance==
Turning performance was widely variable, as it had been with the [[Acorn Class Destroyer (1910)||''Acorn''s]].   
+
Turning performance was widely variable, as it had been with the preceding [[Acorn Class Destroyer (1910)|''Acorn'' class]].   
 +
 
 +
{{UK-Ferret}} achieved four miles to the ton of coal at 27.5 knots.  {{UK-Redpole}} topped out at a spry 30.61 knots in rough weather!
  
{{UK-Ferret}} achieved 4 miles to the ton of coal at 27.5 knots.  {{UK-Redpole}} topped out at a spry 30.61 knots in rough weather!
 
 
''Ferret'' 422 yards starboard, 593 port, and {{UK-Goshawk}} 451 yards to starboard and 470 to port.  Twin-screw {{UK-Hind}} was 669/643.
 
''Ferret'' 422 yards starboard, 593 port, and {{UK-Goshawk}} 451 yards to starboard and 470 to port.  Twin-screw {{UK-Hind}} was 669/643.
Twin-screw ''Hornet'' burned 50.6 tons in an 8 hour full power test, and the nominally identical {{UK-Hydra}} burned 61.6 tons.  Triple screw consumption ranged from 54.02 tons in {{UK-Jackal}} to 62.352 tons in {{UK-Forester}}.  Lubricating oil loss varied between 120 gallons and none at all!<ref>March. p. 119.</ref>
+
 
 +
Twin-screw ''Hornet'' burned 50.6 tons in an eight hour full power test, and the nominally identical {{UK-Hydra}} burned 61.6 tons.  Triple screw consumption ranged from 54.02 tons in {{UK-Jackal}} to 62.352 tons in {{UK-1Forester}}.  Lubricating oil loss varied between 120 gallons and none at all!{{March|p. 119}}
  
 
==Armament==
 
==Armament==
 
The gun armament used here was similar to that used since the [[Beagle Class Destroyer (1909)|''Beagle'' class]], though the mountings improved and the 12-pdrs moved further forward than in the preceding [[Acorn Class Destroyer (1910)|''Acorn'' class]].
 
The gun armament used here was similar to that used since the [[Beagle Class Destroyer (1909)|''Beagle'' class]], though the mountings improved and the 12-pdrs moved further forward than in the preceding [[Acorn Class Destroyer (1910)|''Acorn'' class]].
 +
 +
In late September, 1914, the Admiralty ordered that the guns on the [[Tribal Class Destroyer (1907)|Tribals]] and later classes were to be given loading lights, initially on temporary circuits.{{AWO1914|416 of 29 Sep, 1914}}
  
 
===4-in Guns===
 
===4-in Guns===
Two 4-in guns were mounted forward and aft.  They were 4-in BL Mark VIII guns on P V mountings with 36 common and 84 lyddite rounds each (plus 14 practice rounds per gun per quarter).<ref>March, p. 116.</ref><ref>''The Sight Manual, 1916'', pp. 4, 85, 108, Plate 38.</ref>
+
Two 4-in guns were mounted forward and aft.  They were 4-in B.L. Mark VIII guns on P. V mountings with 36 common and 84 lyddite rounds each (plus 14 practice rounds per gun per quarter).{{March|p. 116}}{{TheSightM|pp. 4, 85, 108, Plate 38}}
  
 
The mounting could elevate to 20 degrees and depress to 10 degrees, but the sight could elevate 15 degrees (9,300 yards full charge).
 
The mounting could elevate to 20 degrees and depress to 10 degrees, but the sight could elevate 15 degrees (9,300 yards full charge).
  
The sight was lightweight, non-FTP cam-worked design with range dials provided for 2150 fps, 1-in aiming rifle and .303-in aiming rifle.  MV could be corrected by a moving scale plate to +/- 150 fps.
+
The sight was lightweight, non-{{FTP}} cam-worked design with range dials provided for 2150 fps, 1-in aiming rifle and .303-in aiming rifle.  M.V. could be corrected by a moving scale plate to +/- 150 fps.
  
 
The deflection gearing constant was 43.76 with 1 knot equal to 3.05 arc minutes, corresponding to 2275 fps at 2000 yards.  Drift was corrected by inclining the sight backet 2 degrees.
 
The deflection gearing constant was 43.76 with 1 knot equal to 3.05 arc minutes, corresponding to 2275 fps at 2000 yards.  Drift was corrected by inclining the sight backet 2 degrees.
Line 28: Line 255:
 
Sight lines were 16.5 inches above the bore, and 15 inches left for the layer and 17.46 inches above and 12.5 inches right for the trainer.  There were open sights on both sides and temperature correctors were provided.
 
Sight lines were 16.5 inches above the bore, and 15 inches left for the layer and 17.46 inches above and 12.5 inches right for the trainer.  There were open sights on both sides and temperature correctors were provided.
  
During the war, some of the ships had their aft 4-in gun landed to accommodate depth charges.<ref>''Technical History and Index'' Vol. 4, Part 34, p. 14.</ref>
+
During the war, some of the ships had their aft 4-in gun landed to accommodate depth charges.{{UKTHVol4Part34|p. 14}}
 +
 
 +
In late 1913, guards ("complete with eyes and chains") were ordered to protect the open sights.{{AWO1913|677 of 28 Nov, 1913}}
  
 
===12-pdr Guns===
 
===12-pdr Guns===
Two 12-pdr guns were mounted just after the break of the forecastle deck, port and starboard.<ref>''The Sight Manual, 1916'', pp. 4, 96, 108, Plate 45.</ref>
+
Two 12-pdr guns were mounted just after the break of the forecastle deck, port and starboard.{{TheSightM|pp. 4, 96, 108, Plate 45}}
  
They were 12-pdr 12 cwt QF guns on P VI mountings with 30 common and 70 lyddite rounds per gun (plus 10 practice rounds per gun per quarter),<ref>March, p. 116.</ref> the same weapon as since the "Tribal" group.  The mountings could elevate to 20 degrees and depress to 10.
+
They were 12-pdr 12 cwt Q.F. guns on P. VI mountings with 30 common and 70 lyddite rounds per gun (plus 10 practice rounds per gun per quarter),{{March|p. 116}} the same weapon as since the "Tribal" group.  The mountings could elevate to 20 degrees and depress to 10.
  
 
The sights were gear-worked with a range gearing constant of 30.857, and range dials for 2200 fps, 2175 fps, 1-in and .303-in aiming rifles.  They could elevate to 11.5 degrees, or 6,075 yards full charge).  There was no means of correcting for muzzle velocity.  It was a simple design compared to that used in the ''Acorn'' class.
 
The sights were gear-worked with a range gearing constant of 30.857, and range dials for 2200 fps, 2175 fps, 1-in and .303-in aiming rifles.  They could elevate to 11.5 degrees, or 6,075 yards full charge).  There was no means of correcting for muzzle velocity.  It was a simple design compared to that used in the ''Acorn'' class.
Line 41: Line 270:
 
Drift was corrected by inclining guides to the sight carrier 2 degrees.  Sighting lines for the layer were 11.558 inches above the bore and 10.106 inches left.  The trainer's sighting lines were 12.270 inches above the bore and 10.881 inches right.  Open sights and head rests were provided on both sides.  There was no temperature corrector.
 
Drift was corrected by inclining guides to the sight carrier 2 degrees.  Sighting lines for the layer were 11.558 inches above the bore and 10.106 inches left.  The trainer's sighting lines were 12.270 inches above the bore and 10.881 inches right.  Open sights and head rests were provided on both sides.  There was no temperature corrector.
  
Gun trials showed that the sightsetter (probably for the 12-pdr guns){{INF}} was in danger of falling overboard when firing at some bearings.<ref>March. pp. 118.</ref>
+
Gun trials showed that the sightsetter (probably for the 12-pdr guns){{INF}} was in danger of falling overboard when firing at some bearings.{{March|pp. 118}}
 +
 
 +
In late 1913, the P. Mark V and VI gun mountings had percussion firing gear ordered for them.{{AWO1913|718 of 12 Dec, 1913}}
  
 
===Torpedoes===
 
===Torpedoes===
Line 47: Line 278:
  
 
===Other Weapons===
 
===Other Weapons===
Depth charges were added during the war to many of the ships, requiring some to surrender their aft 4-in gun.<ref>''Technical History and Index'' Vol. 4, Part 34, p. 14.</ref>
+
Depth charges were added during the war to many of the ships, requiring some to surrender their aft 4-in gun.{{UKTHVol4Part34|p. 14}}
  
 
==Fire Control==
 
==Fire Control==
Line 53: Line 284:
  
 
===Instruments===
 
===Instruments===
By 1920, the ships in ''Acorn'' to ''Laforey'' classes had [[Wise Pressure Telegraphy System]]s in place to support fire control.<ref name=th15>''Technical History and Index'' Vol. 4, Part 34, pp. 15-16.</ref>
+
By 1920, the ships in ''Acorn'' to ''Laforey'' classes had [[Wise Pressure Telegraphy System]]s in place to support fire control.{{UKTH34|pp. 15-16}}
  
<!--
 
 
===Rangefinders===
 
===Rangefinders===
 
+
A 1-m base rangefinder was supplied to all destroyers of the "Tribal" class through "L" class around 1916, but this was later withdrawn.{{UKTH23|pp. 31, 32}}
===Evershed Bearing Indicators===
+
 
+
===Gunnery Control===
+
 
+
====Control Positions====
+
 
+
====Control Groups====
+
 
+
===Directors===
+
  
 
==Torpedo Control==
 
==Torpedo Control==
-->
+
[[File:ARTS1917Plate84.jpg|thumb|300px|'''Electrical Torpedo Control Instruments'''{{ARTS1917|Plate 84}}<br>found in most or all "Acheron" class destroyers]]
 +
A single sighting position was located high up in the centre of the bridge, thus requiring only a single set of firing pushes or keys as well as keys for operating a buzzer at the forward torpedo mount and a rattler at the aft mount.{{ARTS1917|p. 211}}
 +
 
 +
The data instruments used were electrical.  A single Mark I deflection transmitter at the control position, and separate order transmitters and keys, one for the forward tubes and one for the aft.  Each torpedo mount had a combined receiver for these signals.{{ARTS1917|p. 211, Plate 84.  (C.I.O. 439/17.)}}
  
 
==Alterations==
 
==Alterations==
 +
In July 1914, the four Thornycroft and Yarrow "specials" ({{UK-1Acheron}}, {{UK-Ariel}}, {{UK-Attack}} and {{UK-Archer}}) were to have lockable gratings added to control access to their Spirits and Electrical Store Rooms.  At the same time, requests to fit a new pattern stern light to these ships was deferred until trials with it were complete, and a price quote was requested before open trainers' sights would be added.{{AWO1914|87 of 3 July, 1914}}
 +
 
By November 1918, {{UK-Ferret}} and {{UK-Sandfly}} were fitted to carry 38 mines, as they were operating with the {{UK-DF|20}} which was uniformly capable in this regard.  The torpedo tubes and guns removed when the mines were shipped could be placed back aboard with enough notice.<ref>Admiralty. ''Annual Report of the Torpedo School Mining Appendix, 1917-1918'', p. 11. Plate 7.</ref>
 
By November 1918, {{UK-Ferret}} and {{UK-Sandfly}} were fitted to carry 38 mines, as they were operating with the {{UK-DF|20}} which was uniformly capable in this regard.  The torpedo tubes and guns removed when the mines were shipped could be placed back aboard with enough notice.<ref>Admiralty. ''Annual Report of the Torpedo School Mining Appendix, 1917-1918'', p. 11. Plate 7.</ref>
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
 +
{{refbegin}}
 
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acheron_class_destroyer}}
 
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acheron_class_destroyer}}
 
*[http://dreadnoughtproject.org/models/ships/HMS_Acheron/ 3D Model] available for licensing
 
*[http://dreadnoughtproject.org/models/ships/HMS_Acheron/ 3D Model] available for licensing
 +
{{refend}}
  
 
==Footnotes==
 
==Footnotes==
Line 83: Line 311:
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
*{{BibConways1906-1921}}
+
*{{Conways1906}}
 
*{{March}}
 
*{{March}}
*{{BibUKTHVol4Part34}}
+
*{{UKTHVol4Part34}}
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
Line 100: Line 328:
 
cat=Destroyer
 
cat=Destroyer
 
type=destroyer
 
type=destroyer
 
// add half a year to force it to sort after Acorn, as both classes launched vessels in 1910
 
sortbias=0.5
 
  
 
chain=Destroyers
 
chain=Destroyers
 +
 +
// force to sort after Acorn class
 +
sortdate=Jul, 1910
  
 
{group
 
{group
Line 113: Line 341:
 
name=Goshawk
 
name=Goshawk
 
pend=H.45 (1914)<br>H.37 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.45 (1914)<br>H.37 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Beardmore]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[William Beardmore & Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
launch=18 10 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=18 10 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 122: Line 350:
 
name=Hind
 
name=Hind
 
pend=H.47 (1914)<br>H.40 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.47 (1914)<br>H.40 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[John Brown]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[John Brown & Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order="
 
order="
 
launch=28 7 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=28 7 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 153: Line 381:
 
name=Defender
 
name=Defender
 
pend=H.28 (1914)<br>H.29 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.28 (1914)<br>H.29 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Denny]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[William Denny & Brothers]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order="
 
order="
 
launch=30 8 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=30 8 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 183: Line 411:
 
name=Jackal
 
name=Jackal
 
pend=H.55 (1914)<br>H.44 (Jan-Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.55 (1914)<br>H.44 (Jan-Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Hawthorn Leslie]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[Hawthorn Leslie & Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order="
 
order="
 
launch=9 9 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=9 9 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 193: Line 421:
 
name=Tigress
 
name=Tigress
 
pend=H.92 (1914)<br>H.4A (Jan-Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.92 (1914)<br>H.4A (Jan-Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Hawthorn Leslie]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[Hawthorn Leslie & Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order="
 
order="
 
launch=20 12 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=20 12 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 235: Line 463:
 
name=Ferret
 
name=Ferret
 
pend=H.35 (1914)<br>H.32 (Jan 1918)<br>F.93 (Sep 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.35 (1914)<br>H.32 (Jan 1918)<br>F.93 (Sep 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[J. & S. White]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[J. Samuel White]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order="
 
order="
 
laid=Sep 1910{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
laid=Sep 1910{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
Line 246: Line 474:
 
name=Forester
 
name=Forester
 
pend=H.39 (1914)<br>H.34 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.39 (1914)<br>H.34 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[J. & S. White]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[J. Samuel White]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order="
 
order="
 
launch=1 6 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=1 6 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 260: Line 488:
 
name=Archer
 
name=Archer
 
pend=H.10 (1914)<br>H.29 (Sep 1915)<br>H.06 (Jan-Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.10 (1914)<br>H.29 (Sep 1915)<br>H.06 (Jan-Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Yarrow]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[Yarrow & Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
launch=21 10 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=21 10 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 270: Line 498:
 
name=Attack
 
name=Attack
 
pend=H.14 (1914)<br>H.86 (Jan 1916)<br>H.08 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.14 (1914)<br>H.86 (Jan 1916)<br>H.08 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Yarrow]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[Yarrow & Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order="
 
order="
 
launch=21 12 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=21 12 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 286: Line 514:
 
name=Acheron
 
name=Acheron
 
pend=H.00 (1914)<br>H.02 (Jan-Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.00 (1914)<br>H.02 (Jan-Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Thornycroft]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[John I. Thornycroft & Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
launch=27 6 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=27 6 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 313: Line 541:
 
name=Badger
 
name=Badger
 
pend=H.15 (1914)<br>H.52 (Sep 1915)<br>H.09 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.15 (1914)<br>H.52 (Sep 1915)<br>H.09 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Denny]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[William Denny & Brothers]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
launch=11 7 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=11 7 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 337: Line 565:
 
name=Firedrake
 
name=Firedrake
 
pend=H.97 (1914)<br>H.33 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
pend=H.97 (1914)<br>H.33 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
builder=[[Yarrow]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[Yarrow & Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
order=1910-11 Programme{{Conways1906|p. 75}}
 
launch=9 4 1912{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=9 4 1912{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 356: Line 584:
 
{ship
 
{ship
 
name=Oak
 
name=Oak
pend=H.12 (1914)<br>H.38 (Sep 1915)<br>H.92 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
pend=H.97 (Jan 1913)<ref>{{TNA|ADM 182|4}}. p. 2.</ref><br>H.12 (1914)<br>H.38 (Sep 1915)<br>H.92 (Jan 1918){{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
builder="
 
builder="
 
order="
 
order="
Line 371: Line 599:
 
name=Parramatta
 
name=Parramatta
 
nat=AU
 
nat=AU
 +
prefix=H.M.A.S.
 
pend=
 
pend=
builder=[[Fairfield]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=9 2 1910{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=9 2 1910{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
comm=
 
comm=
Line 383: Line 612:
 
name=Warrego
 
name=Warrego
 
nat=AU
 
nat=AU
 +
prefix=H.M.A.S.
 
pend=
 
pend=
builder=[[Fairfield]] and [[Cockatoo Dockyard]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company]] and [[Cockatoo Dockyard]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=4 4 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=4 4 1911{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
comm=
 
comm=
Line 395: Line 625:
 
name=Yarra
 
name=Yarra
 
nat=AU
 
nat=AU
 +
prefix=H.M.A.S.
 
pend=
 
pend=
builder=[[Denny]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
+
builder=[[William Denny & Brothers]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=8 4 1910{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
launch=8 4 1910{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
comm=
 
comm=
Line 407: Line 638:
 
name=Huon
 
name=Huon
 
nat=AU
 
nat=AU
 +
prefix=H.M.A.S.
 
pend=
 
pend=
 
builder=[[Cockatoo Dockyard]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
builder=[[Cockatoo Dockyard]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 419: Line 651:
 
name=Swan
 
name=Swan
 
nat=AU
 
nat=AU
 +
prefix=H.M.A.S.
 
pend=
 
pend=
 
builder=[[Cockatoo Dockyard]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
 
builder=[[Cockatoo Dockyard]]{{DittColl|p. 62}}
Line 430: Line 663:
 
name=Torrens
 
name=Torrens
 
nat=AU
 
nat=AU
 +
prefix=H.M.A.S.
 
pend=
 
pend=
 
builder="
 
builder="
Line 441: Line 675:
  
 
data -->
 
data -->
 +
 +
[[Category:Featured Ship Classes]]

Revision as of 13:00, 7 April 2018

Twenty-nine destroyers of the Acheron Class (redesignated the "I" class in October, 1913)[1]) were completed between 1911 and 1912. Twenty were part of the 1910-1911 Programme, and an additional six (later nine) Specials were ordered.

They were the last Royal Navy destroyers to use the 12-pdr gun.

Most served in the First Destroyer Flotilla where their 60 test runs of 21-in Mark II torpedoes in the first half of 1916 were judged 87% likely to endanger the enemy.[2] Other units served elsewhere; Oak served as the dispatch vessel to Iron Duke and Firedrake and Lurcher served with submarine flotillas in Harwich.[3]

Radio

In 1912, eighteen of the new destroyers were fitted with Destroyer Sets. The pace of this initiative suggests that all units were probably so equipped by the start of the war.[4][Inference]

Searchlights

Badger, at least, had a (hydraulic?) control system to control her searchlights whose success prompted an Admiralty order to fit the same gear to the earlier Beagle class.[5] Just four days later, the twenty Acherons of the First Destroyer Flotilla were also ordered to have this equipment added.[6]

Performance

Turning performance was widely variable, as it had been with the preceding Acorn class.

Ferret achieved four miles to the ton of coal at 27.5 knots. Redpole topped out at a spry 30.61 knots in rough weather!

Ferret 422 yards starboard, 593 port, and Goshawk 451 yards to starboard and 470 to port. Twin-screw Hind was 669/643.

Twin-screw Hornet burned 50.6 tons in an eight hour full power test, and the nominally identical Hydra burned 61.6 tons. Triple screw consumption ranged from 54.02 tons in Jackal to 62.352 tons in Forester. Lubricating oil loss varied between 120 gallons and none at all![7]

Armament

The gun armament used here was similar to that used since the Beagle class, though the mountings improved and the 12-pdrs moved further forward than in the preceding Acorn class.

In late September, 1914, the Admiralty ordered that the guns on the Tribals and later classes were to be given loading lights, initially on temporary circuits.[8]

4-in Guns

Two 4-in guns were mounted forward and aft. They were 4-in B.L. Mark VIII guns on P. V mountings with 36 common and 84 lyddite rounds each (plus 14 practice rounds per gun per quarter).[9][10]

The mounting could elevate to 20 degrees and depress to 10 degrees, but the sight could elevate 15 degrees (9,300 yards full charge).

The sight was lightweight, non-F.T.P. cam-worked design with range dials provided for 2150 fps, 1-in aiming rifle and .303-in aiming rifle. M.V. could be corrected by a moving scale plate to +/- 150 fps.

The deflection gearing constant was 43.76 with 1 knot equal to 3.05 arc minutes, corresponding to 2275 fps at 2000 yards. Drift was corrected by inclining the sight backet 2 degrees.

Sight lines were 16.5 inches above the bore, and 15 inches left for the layer and 17.46 inches above and 12.5 inches right for the trainer. There were open sights on both sides and temperature correctors were provided.

During the war, some of the ships had their aft 4-in gun landed to accommodate depth charges.[11]

In late 1913, guards ("complete with eyes and chains") were ordered to protect the open sights.[12]

12-pdr Guns

Two 12-pdr guns were mounted just after the break of the forecastle deck, port and starboard.[13]

They were 12-pdr 12 cwt Q.F. guns on P. VI mountings with 30 common and 70 lyddite rounds per gun (plus 10 practice rounds per gun per quarter),[14] the same weapon as since the "Tribal" group. The mountings could elevate to 20 degrees and depress to 10.

The sights were gear-worked with a range gearing constant of 30.857, and range dials for 2200 fps, 2175 fps, 1-in and .303-in aiming rifles. They could elevate to 11.5 degrees, or 6,075 yards full charge). There was no means of correcting for muzzle velocity. It was a simple design compared to that used in the Acorn class.

Deflection gearing constant was 45.707, with 1 knot equalling 3.76 arc minutes, corresponding to 2200 fps at 2000 yards.

Drift was corrected by inclining guides to the sight carrier 2 degrees. Sighting lines for the layer were 11.558 inches above the bore and 10.106 inches left. The trainer's sighting lines were 12.270 inches above the bore and 10.881 inches right. Open sights and head rests were provided on both sides. There was no temperature corrector.

Gun trials showed that the sightsetter (probably for the 12-pdr guns)[Inference] was in danger of falling overboard when firing at some bearings.[15]

In late 1913, the P. Mark V and VI gun mountings had percussion firing gear ordered for them.[16]

Torpedoes

Two single 21-in tubes on the centre line.

Other Weapons

Depth charges were added during the war to many of the ships, requiring some to surrender their aft 4-in gun.[17]

Fire Control

By 1915, at least, these ships also had fixed voice pipes installed between decks with the last lengths being flexible (one voice pipe for gunnery, one for torpedoes) fitted between bridge and guns, torpedo tubes, and searchlights. A third voicepipe, entirely flexible, ran from bridge to the forward gun.[18]

Instruments

By 1920, the ships in Acorn to Laforey classes had Wise Pressure Telegraphy Systems in place to support fire control.[19]

Rangefinders

A 1-m base rangefinder was supplied to all destroyers of the "Tribal" class through "L" class around 1916, but this was later withdrawn.[20]

Torpedo Control

Electrical Torpedo Control Instruments[21]
found in most or all "Acheron" class destroyers

A single sighting position was located high up in the centre of the bridge, thus requiring only a single set of firing pushes or keys as well as keys for operating a buzzer at the forward torpedo mount and a rattler at the aft mount.[22]

The data instruments used were electrical. A single Mark I deflection transmitter at the control position, and separate order transmitters and keys, one for the forward tubes and one for the aft. Each torpedo mount had a combined receiver for these signals.[23]

Alterations

In July 1914, the four Thornycroft and Yarrow "specials" (Acheron, Ariel, Attack and Archer) were to have lockable gratings added to control access to their Spirits and Electrical Store Rooms. At the same time, requests to fit a new pattern stern light to these ships was deferred until trials with it were complete, and a price quote was requested before open trainers' sights would be added.[24]

By November 1918, Ferret and Sandfly were fitted to carry 38 mines, as they were operating with the Twentieth Destroyer Flotilla which was uniformly capable in this regard. The torpedo tubes and guns removed when the mines were shipped could be placed back aboard with enough notice.[25]

See Also

Footnotes

  1. Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. p. 75.
  2. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1916. p. 87.
  3. March. British Destroyers. p. 122.
  4. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1912. Wireless Appendix, p. 6.
  5. Admiralty Weekly Order No. 441 of 2 Oct, 1914.
  6. Admiralty Weekly Order No. 454 of 6 Oct, 1914.
  7. March. British Destroyers. p. 119.
  8. Admiralty Weekly Order No. 416 of 29 Sep, 1914.
  9. March. British Destroyers. p. 116.
  10. The Sight Manual, 1916. pp. 4, 85, 108, Plate 38.
  11. The Technical History and Index, Vol. 4, Part 34. p. 14.
  12. Admiralty Weekly Order No. 677 of 28 Nov, 1913.
  13. The Sight Manual, 1916. pp. 4, 96, 108, Plate 45.
  14. March. British Destroyers. p. 116.
  15. March. British Destroyers. pp. 118.
  16. Admiralty Weekly Order No. 718 of 12 Dec, 1913.
  17. The Technical History and Index, Vol. 4, Part 34. p. 14.
  18. Manual of Gunnery, Vol. III., 1915., p. 150.
  19. The Technical History and Index, Vol. 4, Part 34. pp. 15-16.
  20. The Technical History and Index, Vol. 3, Part 23. pp. 31, 32.
  21. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1917. Plate 84.
  22. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1917. p. 211.
  23. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1917. p. 211, Plate 84. (C.I.O. 439/17.).
  24. Admiralty Weekly Order No. 87 of 3 July, 1914.
  25. Admiralty. Annual Report of the Torpedo School Mining Appendix, 1917-1918, p. 11. Plate 7.

Bibliography


Acheron Class Destroyer
Admiralty Design
Goshawk Hind Hornet Hydra Defender
Druid Sandfly Jackal Tigress Lapwing
  Lizard Phoenix Ferret Forester  
Yarrow Specials
  Archer Attack  
Thornycroft Specials
  Acheron Ariel  
Parsons Specials
  Badger Beaver  
Firedrake/Yarrow Specials
  Firedrake Lurcher Oak  
Australian type
  Parramatta Warrego Yarra  
  Huon Swan Torrens  
<– Acorn Class Destroyers (UK) Acasta Class –>