www.navyphotos.co.uk
Ship "Index".
8). Destroyers, Pre: WW1.
This
section shows the starting point from which all the worlds
"Destroyers", and later R.N. "Frigates", originated.
During the late 1880's and early 1890's there was a need for a small, fast, fairly heavily armed, and "seaworthy" ship
that was able
to stay on station with a "Blockading fleet",
so as to drive off any
attacking enemy "Torpedo Boats".
From this was born the "Torpedo
Boat Destroyer", as seen in the likes of "HMS Bat, HMS Cynthia" and their
sisters.
These ships rapidly developed into the much more powerfully
armed, seaworthy, and turbine engine powered ships, such as "HMS Swift" of 1907.
Within
12 years, by the end of WW1, the capabilities of even these early classes of ship would have
altered beyond all recognition.
The "V & W's", as seen in section 10 of this website, being proof if needed.
"Destroyers" had written a whole new chapter for the history of the
RN, as in the seldom recorded Destroyer actions at "Jutland",
and would have
brought into being a whole new breed of RN sailor,
"The Destroyer
Man".
(
# ) against entry indicates New or Updated photos. - Section last updated Early
February 2010.