Introduction

SCOPE OF THE BOOK

This ‘ABC’ of the ships of the Royal Navy is the result of many years’ research in the Admiralty Library and elsewhere, and it is hoped that most of the ships which have served at any time in the British or Commonwealth navies are included. Ships noted as ‘Indian’ include those of the Hon. East India Company, which developed into the Bombay Marine and later into the Royal Indian Marine. The term ‘Australian’ is used in the text to cover ships of the various State navies of Australia before the formation of the Royal Australian Navy. Names of ships captured from the French or Spanish are printed in English form with their English counterparts where convenient, the definite article being omitted except in the few cases when it is known to have been used in the Royal Navy, and ‘UNITÉ’ for example will have to be read as ‘Unite’ and ‘IMMORTALITÉ’ as ‘Immortalite’. Mercantile names are printed in italics.

For the sake of brevity, details of the engines of steamships have been omitted, as also have most of the changes in armament. For modern ships (in general) only a tonnage is given, since other details are readily available in current reference books.

Trawlers, tugs, etc. and auxiliaries are not listed other than as a continuation of a ship name (but see Preface).

TONNAGE

Up to the year 1873, the tonnage is the builder’s measurement (bm), a capacity measurement arrived at from, perhaps, the 15th century, by calculating the number of tuns (casks) of wine that the ship could carry. After 1873 displacement tonnage is used, changed in 1926 to standard displacement.

DIMENSIONS

Length and beam are given, the former being that of the gun deck for sailing vessels, which closely approximated to the length between perpendiculars used for steamships.

ARMAMENT

Until the latter half of the 19th century, guns in the main were smooth-bore, muzzle-loaders firing round iron shot, the ‘size’ of the gun listed being actually the weight of the shot. After this, rifled guns were introduced which later brought about the change in shape of the projectile fired. Breech-loaders were used for a short time in the 1850s, being permanently introduced in the 1880s. Carronades (abbreviated to ‘carr’ in the text) took their name from Carron in Scotland, where they were first manufactured in 1777; these were short-barreled, short-range weapons which had a devastating effect in close action. During the Napoleonic Wars, ships of the line and frigates mounted up to twelve of these, 24- or 32- pounders, which were not included in the gun rating of the ship, e.g. a 32-gun frigate mounting 44 weapons. Some of the smaller vessels were often armed almost entirely with carronades. In the text, sailing ship armament is given (where known) only when it differed from the establishment tables.

BUILDING MATERIALS

Shortage of oak during the Napoleonic wars resulted in trials with various softwoods, some 50 frigates and sloops being thus built: they were useless after a few years, as were five frigates so built in 1757. Teak was used for all ships built at Bombay, and pencil cedar for the sloops and schooners built in Bermuda; these were all very durable vessels. Iron shipbuilding, with few exceptions, started with the floating batteries of 1855, and iron used in conjunction with surplus timber resulted in composite construction for most of the corvettes and sloops from 1867 to 1889. Steel was used from 1877.

BUILDING YARDS

The first Royal dockyard was founded in 1520 at Woolwich (arguably at Portsmouth), though naval ships had been built there before this. Enlarged in 1701, it was closed in October 1869.

Henry VIII also founded the dockyard at Deptford, which eventually became more important than its near neighbour until the close of the French wars, when it was little used; it was practically derelict by 1818 and closed in 1833 with WORCESTER still on stocks. It reopened in 1843 and finally closed in March 1869.

Portsmouth dockyard was founded in 1540, though the harbour had been used as a base since 1512, when it superseded Southampton Water. It had a period of decline during the reign of Elizabeth I, when Chatham yard was started. ANDROMEDA was the last warship launched there on 24 May 1967, though the first steel for prefabricated parts for the Type 45 DARING was cut there in October 2003 by Vosper Thornycroft, continuing the tradition of shipbuilding on that site.

The dockyard at Chatham dates from 1588 and the Medway then became the main fleet base, the chief enemy threat at that time coming from the Spanish Netherlands. Chatham remained pre-eminent until the advent of the ‘Dreadnought’ type battleship, whose draught rendered the entrance to the yard rather hazardous. It was enlarged in 1662, and again in 1864–83. The last submarine launched there was OKANAGAN (RCN) on 17 September 1966, and the Yard closed in 1984.

A Royal dockyard was started at Harwich in 1650 and lasted until 1714. The site was reopened in 1742 as a private yard under various owners until about 1827.

The next to be founded was at Sheerness in 1667. This, however, was little used after 1674 and was closed in 1686. Reopened two years later and enlarged 1815–26, it finally closed in March 1960.

Plymouth Dockyard was opened in 1691, though the area had long been a naval base. Known as Devonport Dockyard from 1824, it was enlarged in 1844 and throughout the 20th century. The last warship to be built there (SCYLLA) was launched 8 August 1968. Milford Dockyard started on the site of Jacobs’ private yard in 1794 and moved to Pembroke Dock in 1814. It was closed in 1926.

The remaining two Royal yards at home, Haulbowline (transferred to the Irish government in 1921) and Rosyth, were not building yards.

It will be noticed that most of the private yards were generally located originally in three main areas adjacent to the royal dockyards – the Thames/Medway group, the Solent/Isle of Wight group, and those near Plymouth. There were others on the west and east coasts, and one of these, Yarmouth, needs some comment. Although the east-coast port had been known as Great Yarmouth since the 15th century, this name rarely occurs as such in Admiralty lists. A close study of local records in the Isle of Wight has failed to find any trace of naval building at the Wight Yarmouth, so it seems that all Yarmouth-built vessels must have originated at the east-coast port.

Little need be said about steamship builders; most of their names would be familiar to the reader. It might be pointed out, however, that only one firm who contracted for the sailing navy still existed in recent times – that of J.S. White of Cowes, who moved there in 1804 and built for the Royal Navy until 1966.

EARLY SHIP TYPES

Many of those in early lists of the Navy are not easily described, since few details of them exist. As far as can be ascertained the ballinger(or balinger), for instance, seems to have been a moderate-sized oared vessel with the barge a larger ship of the same type but fitted with sails. Some barges of the 14th century were of a considerable size, carrying 100 men or more. The 16th-century brigantine seems to have been and alternative name for the galley. The busse was a stoutly built fishing type vessel with three squarerigged masts, though by the 18th century it had two masts only. The cog was a merchant type, probably with one square-rigged mast, and was, perhaps, the first rates of its time, while the Elizabethan frigate remains an enigma. The English galleasse was a low, flush-decked vessel fitted with a ram and sometimes with oars, while the galley was a very similar craft with three masts and lateen sails; some of these oared galleys were often used as tugs for getting large ships out of harbours. The hoy was a coastal store carrier with one square-rigged mast, a jib and gaff sails. The pinnace in Tudor times was probably a small, fast sailing vessel equipped with oars, while the row barge was similar but fitted with a ram. The Stuart yacht, of Dutch origin, was cutter rigged with a square topsail.

ESTABLISHMENT OF GUNS

	42pdr	32pdr	24pdr	18pdr	12pdr	9pdr	6pdr	4pdr	3pdr
In 1677:
1st Rate 100	26	-	-	28	-	-	44	-	-
2nd Rate 90	-	26	-	26	-	-	36	-	2
3rd Rate 70	-	26	-	-	26	-	14	-	4
Ships built after 1716:
1st Rate 100	28	28	-	-	28	-	16	-	-
2nd Rate 90	26	-	-	26	-	26	12	-	-
2nd Rate 80	26	-	-	-	26	-	30	-	-
3rd Rate 70	-	26	-	-	26	-	18	-	-
3rd Rate 60	-	24	-	-	-	26	10	-	-
4th Rate 50	-	-	-	26	-	22	6	-	-
5th Rate 40	-	-	-	-	20	-	20	-	-
5th Rate 30	-	-	-	-	-	8	20	2	-
6th Rate 20	-	-	-	-	-	-	20	-	-
Ships built after 1740:
1st Rate 100	28	-	28	-	28	-	16	-	-
2nd Rate 90	-	26	-	26	26	-	12	-	-
3rd Rate 80	-	26	-	26	-	24	4	-	-
3rd Rate 64	-	26	-	26	-	12	-	-	-
4th Rate 58	-	-	24	-	24	-	10	-	-
4th Rate 50	-	-	22	-	22	-	6	-	-
5th Rate 44	-	-	-	20	-	20	4	-	-
6th Rate 20	-	-	-	-	-	20	-	-	-
Ships Built after 1757:
1st Rate 100	28	-	28	-	28	-	16	-	-
2nd Rate 90	-	28	-	30	30	2	-	-	-
3rd Rate 80	-	26	-	-	26	-	28	-	-
Large 74	-	28	30	-	-	16	-	-	-
Small 74	-	28	-	28	-	18	-	-	-
3rd Rate 70	-	28	-	28	-	14	-	-	-
3rd Rate 64	-	-	26	-	26	-	12	-	-
4th Rate 60	-	-	26	-	26	-	8	-	-
4th Rate 50	-	-	-	22	22	-	6	-	-
5th Rate 44	-	-	-	20	-	22	2	-	-
5th Rate 36	-	-	-	-	26	-	10	-	-
5th Rate 32	-	-	-	-	26	-	6	-	-
6th Rate 28	-	-	-	-	-	24	-	-	4
6th Rate 24	-	-	-	-	-	22	-	-	2
6th Rate 20	-	-	-	-	-	20	-	-	-
Sloop 14	-	-	-	-	-	-	14	-	-
Sloop 12	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	12	-
Sloop 10	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	10	-
Sloop 8	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	8
After 1792:
1st Rate 110	-	30	30	32	18	-	-	-	-
1st Rate 100	28	-	28	-	44	-	-	-	-
	-	30	28	30	12	-	-	-	-
	30	28	-	-	42	-	-	-	-
2nd Rate 98	-	28	-	28	42	-	-	-	-
	-	28	-	60	10	-	-	-	-
2nd Rate 90	-	26	-	26	38	-	-	-	-
3rd Rate 80	-	30	32	-	-	-	18	-	-
Large 74	-	28	30	-	-	16	-	-	-
Common 74	-	28	-	28		18	-	-	-
5th Rate 40	-	-	-	28	-	12	-	-	-
5th Rate 38	-	-	-	28	2	8	-	-	-
5th Rate 36	-	-	-	26	2	8	-	-	-
Large 32	-	-	-	26	-	6	-	-	-
Common 32	-	-	-	-	26	-	6	-	-
Sloop 18	-	-	-	-	-	-	18	-	-
Sloop 16	-	-	-	-	-	-	16	-	-
Other ships as in 1757.

DETAILS OF SHIP ‘CLASSES’ MENTIONED IN THE TEXT

‘A’ class submarines, 1, 120 tons, 281.7 (oa) × 22.25ft, 1-4in, 1-20mm, 10-TT, 46 ordered 1943–44.

‘Acacia’ class sloops, 1, 200 tons, 250 × 33ft, 2-12pdr, 2-3pdr, 36 ordered 1915.

‘Adelaide’ class frigates (RAN), 4, 100 tons, 445 (453 last 2) × 45ft, SSM Harpoon, SAM GDC Pomona, 1-3in, 6-TT, Helo. 6 launched 1978–92.

Admiralty steel drifters average 96gr, 199 tons, 86 × 18.5ft, 1-6pdr. 165 named vessels laid down 1917–18, of which 38 were completed.

Admiralty wood drifters average 98gr, 175 tons, 86 × 19ft, 1-6pdr, 111 named vessels laid down 1917–18 including 10 non-standard. 9 were cancelled. 100 similar (CD.1–100) were built for the Royal Navy in Canada.

‘Albacore’ class wood S. gunboats, average 232bm, 106 × 22ft, 1-68pdr, 1-32pdr, 2-20pdr, 98 ordered 1855.

‘Algerine’ class m/s, 850-1030 tons, 212.5 (pp) 225 (oa) × 35.5ft, 1-4in, 8-20mm, 115 laid down 1941–44 including 12 RCN and 9 on Lend-Lease.

‘Anchusa’ class sloops, 1, 290 tons, 250 × 35ft, 2-4in, 2-12pdr, 33 ordered 1917.

‘Ant’ class iron S. gunboats, 254 tons, 85 × 26ft, 1-10in. 20 laid down 1870–73.

‘Anzac’ class frigates (RAN/RNZN), 3, 600 tons full load, 387.1 (oa) × 48.6ft. SSM Harpoon, SAM Raytheon Sea Sparrow, 1-5in, 6-TT, Helo. 10 launched 1994–(2003)

‘Arabis class sloops, 1m250 tons, 250 × 33.5ft, 2-4in (or 2-4.7in), 2-3pdr, 36 ordered 1915.

‘Armidale’ RAN patrol boats, 270 tons, 184.6 × 31.8ft, 1-25mm, 2-12.7mm. 14 to be built by Austal Shipyard/Defence Maritime Services, Henderson, Western Australia 2004–08.

‘Ascot’ class paddle m/s, 810 tons (8 vessels 820), 235 × 29ft, 2-12pdr, 32 ordered 1915 or 1917.

‘Astute’ class nuclear s/m, 6, 500/7, 200 tons, 318.2 (oa) × 37ft. Tomahawk, Sub Harpoon, 6-TT. 3 ordered 1997, 1 in 2007. First laid down 31.01.2001. Other orders possible.

‘Aubretia’ class sloops, as ‘Arabis’ class but mercantile profile, 6 ordered 1916.

‘Axe’ class trawlers, 390 tons, 139 (oa) × 23.5ft, 1-3in.

Diesel ‘Bangor’ class m/s, 590tons, 162 (oa) × 28ft, 1-3in, 14 laid down 1939–41 including 10 RCN.

TE ‘Bangor’ class m/s, 672 tons, 180 (oa) × 28.5ft, 1-3in, 73 laid down 1940–41 including 36 RCN and 7 RIN.

Turbine ‘Bangor’ class m/s, 656 tons, 174 (oa) × 28.5ft, 1-3in, 26 laid down 1939–41 including 6 RIN.

‘Bar’ class boom defence vessels, 750 tons, 173.75 (oa) 150 (pp) × 32.25ft, 1-3in, 11.75 kts. 74 ordered of which 2 were cancelled. 4 others ordered for RAN.

‘Basset’ class Ms trawlers, 545 tons, 150 × 27.5ft, 1-12pdr, 1-20mm. 44 ordered in India for the RIN of which 23 were cancelled in 1945. Four ordered at Rangoon, two for the Burma Govt and two for Ceylon –all 4 were lost on the stocks by Japanese invasion.

B.A.T. class rescue tugs, 783 tons, 143 (oa) × 33.3ft, 1-3in, 2-20mm, 24 ships built in the USAS on Lease-Lend 1942–43 including 10 transferred from the USN. One vessel, unnamed (contract No BAT 2) was retained by the USN as MARICOPA.

‘Bathurst class m/s, 650 tons, 186.2 (oa) × 28ft, 1-4in (1-3in in some), 1-20mm, 63 laid down 1940–42 including 43 RAN and 7 RIN.

‘Bay’ class frigates, 1, 580 tons, 307 (oa) × 38.5ft, 4-4in, 4-40mm, 4-20mm, 26 laid down 1944 as

‘Loch’ class and altered on stocks, 19 completing as frigates, 4 as survey vessels, 2 as despatch vessels, with 1 cancelled.

‘Bay’ class coastal m/s, 390 tons, 152 (oa) × 28ft, 1-40mm, 20 built for RCN 1952–57.

‘Brazillian’ type trawlers. 680 tons, 176.5 (oa) × 28ft, 1-12pdr, 4-20mm. 6 in number.

‘Britomart’ class wood S. gunboats, average 268bm, 330 tons, 120 × 22ft, 2-68pdr, 20 laid down 1859–61.

‘C’ class destroyers, 1, 710 tons, 362.7 (oa) × 35.8ft, 4-4.5in, 4-40mm, 4/8-TT, 32 ordered 1942, plus 8 (only 2 named) ordered 1943 but redesignated as ‘Weapon’ class.

‘Castle type trawlers, 360 tons standard, 134 (oa) x23.5ft, 1-12pdr. 217 vessels laid down 1917–18 including 18 non-standard; 52 completed as unarmed fishing vessels 1919–20 and 20 cancelled. 60 built for the Royal Navy in Canada and 9 ordered for the RIM in India. These 9 were composite built. A further 15 were ordered in 1940 in New Zealand for the RNZN, one being cancelled and four ordered there for the Royal Navy. Three were cancelled and the fourth completed for the RNZN.

‘Castle’ class corvettes, later re-rated frigates, 1, 010 tons, 252 (oa) × 36.7ft, 1-4in, 10-20mm, Squid, 96 ordered 1943–44 including 12 RCN.

DE ‘Captain’ class frigates, 1, 085 tons, 289.4 (oa) × 35.2ft, 3-3in, 2-40mm, 10-20mm, 34 ordered 1942–43 on Lend-Lease, 32 handed over.

TE (Turbo Electric) ‘Captain’ class frigates, 1, 300 tons, 306 (oa) × 36.9ft, 3-3in, 2-40mm, 8-20mm, 46 handed over on lend lease 1943.

‘Catherine’ class m/s, 1, 110 tons, 220.9 (oa) × 32ft, 1-3in, 6-20mm, 22 handed over on Lend-Lease 1943–44 and 12 retained by the USN.

‘Cheerful’ class wood S. gunboats, 212bm, 100 × 22ft, 2-32pdr, 20 ordered 1855.

‘Cherokee’ class brig-sloops, average 236bm, 90 × 25ft, 8-18pdr carr., 2-6pdr, 115 laid down between 1807 and 1830.

‘Clown’ class wood S. gunboats, 233bm, 110 × 22ft, 1-68pdr, 1-32pdr, 12 ordered 1855.

‘Colony’ class frigates, 1, 318 tons, 304 (oa) x37.6ft, 3-3in, 4-40mm, 4-20mm, 21 transferred on Lend-Lease 1943–44.

‘Cruizer’ class brig-sloops, average 348bm, 100.5 × 30.5ft, 16-32pdr carr., 2-6pdr. 110 laid down 1797–1826.

‘Dance’ class trawlers, 530 tons, 160.5 (oa) × 27.5ft, 1-4in, 3-20mm, 20 in number.

‘Dapper’ class wood S. gunboats, 232bm, 284 tons, 106 × 22ft, 1-68pdr, 2-24pdr, 20 ordered 1854.

‘Dark’ Class Fast patrol boats. 50 tons, 67 × 19.5ft, 1-40mm 4-TT as MTB, 1-4.5 in, 1-40mm as MGB. 18 completed 1954–58.

‘Daring’ class destroyers, (Type 45), 5, 800 tons, 500.1 (oa) × 69.6ft, 1-4.5in, Phalanx, Harpoon, PAAMS –Sylver-Aster Missile, Helo, Up to 12 announced 2000 –but reduced to 8 in 2004, and to only 6 by 2007.

‘Duke’ class frigates –see Type 23 below.

‘Fish’ class A/S trawlers, 670 tons, 162 (oa) × 25.25ft, 1-4in, 3-20mm, 10 in number.

‘Flower’ class corvettes, average 925 tons, 190 (pp) 205 (oa) x33.2ft, 1-4in, 222 laid down 1939–41 including 70 RCN and 4 seized French vessels.

Modified ‘Flower’ class corvettes average 980 tons, 193 (pp) 208.5 (oa) × 33ft, 1-4in, 6-40mm. 57 laid down 1942–44 including 36 RCN, 7 on Lend-Lease and 8 transferred to the USN.

‘Ford’ class seaward defence boats, 120 tons, 117.3 (oa) × 20ft, 1-40mm, 20 for the RN 1952–57 and others for S. Africa, India, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

‘Fly’ class river gunboats, 98 tons, 120 × 20ft, 1-4in, 1-12pdr, 1-3pdr. 16 laid down 1916.

‘Gay’ class Fast Patrol Boats, 50 tons, 67 × 19.5ft, 1-40mm, 4-TT. 12 built 1952–54.

‘Halifax’ class frigates (CFS), 4, 770 tons full load, 441.9 (oa) × 53.8ft, Harpoon, Sea Sparrow, 1-57mm, Phalanx, 4-TT, 2-Helo, 12 launched between 1988–95.

‘Ham’ class inshore m/s, 120 tons, 106.4 (oa) × 21.2ft, 1-40mm or 1-20mm. 93 built RN plus others for other navies 1952 onwards.

‘Hills’ class A/S trawlers, 750 tons, 181.25 (oa) × 28ft, 1-12pdr, 3-20mm, 8 in number.

Early ‘Hunt’ class m/s, 750 tons, 220 × 28ft, 2-12pdr, 20 ordered 1916.

Later ‘Hunt’ class m/s, 800 tons, 220 × 28.5ft, 1-4in, 1-12pdr, (most originally had 1-6pdr only). 119 ordered 1917–18.

‘Hunt’ class destroyers, Type 1, 907 tons, 264.2 (pp) 280 (oa) × 29ft, 4-4in, 2-20mm (designed for 6-4in, 2-TT and ATHERSTONE completed thus). 20 laid down 1939.

‘Hunt’ class destroyers, Type II, 1, 050 tons, 264.2 (pp) 280 (oa) × 31.5ft, 6-4in, 2-20mm. 36 laid down 1939–40 including BLENCATHRA, BROCKLESBY and LIDDESDALE of 1, 000 tons, 4-4in.

‘Hunt’ class destroyers Type III, 1, 087 tons, 264.2 (pp) 280 (oa) × 31.5ft, 4-4in, 2-20mm, 2-TT, 28 laid down 1940–41.

Detail of Type IV (BRECON and BRISSENDEN) in text. All ‘Hunt’ class destroyers rated as frigates from 1947.

‘Isles’ class M/s-A/S trawlers, average 545 tons, 150 × 27.5ft, 1-12pdr, 3-20mm, 145 laid down 1940–44 including 16 ordered for Canada and on loan to the RCN until 1945. 14 vessels were completed as danlayers and 4 as minelayers.

‘Kil’ class patrol gunboats (WW1), originally to be called fast trawlers, 890/893 tons, 182 (oa) 170 (pp) × 30ft, 1-4in, 2 DCT, 13 kts. 53 built, 1 completed as cable vessel, 31 cancelled.

‘Kil’ class patrol sloops (WW2), 795 tons, 176.5 × 33ft, 1-3in, 3-40mm, 4-DCT, all built by Pullman Standard Car Co., Chicago and 15 supplied to RN under Lease Lend.

‘Lake’ class A/S trawlers, 560 tons, 147.5 × 26.5ft, 1-12pdr, 1-20mm, 2MG. 6 in number.

‘Leander’ class frigates, 2, 650tons, 372 (oa) × 41/43ft, 2-4.5in, 2-40mm/Seacat, Helo. 26 laid down 1959–67 for the RN and two for the RNZN.

‘Ley’ class inshore minehunters, 123 tons, 106.4 (oa)x 21.2ft, 1-40mm. 10 built for RN 1953–54.

‘Loch’ class frigates, 1, 435 tons, 286 (pp) 307 (oa) × 38.5ft, 1-4in, 4-2pdr, 6-20mm, Squid, 110 ordered of which 26 were re-armed as ‘Bay’ class (4 completed as survey ships, 2 as despatch vessels and 1 cancelled). Two completed as depot ships and 54 were cancelled.

‘M’ class destroyers, average 1, 050 tons, 265 × 26.5ft (Thornycroft design 265 × 27.5ft and Yarrow design 260 × 26ft) 3-4in, 4-TT. 110 laid down 1913–16.

‘Mersey’ type trawlers, average 438 tons standard, 148 (oa) × 23.5ft, 1-12pdr. 156 vessels ordered 1917–18 including 7 non-standard. 35 completed as fishing vessels and 44 cancelled.

‘Military’ class trawlers, 750 tons, 193 (oa) × 30ft, 1-4in, 4-20mm, 9 in number.

‘Oberon’ class diesel/electric s/m. 1, 610 tons, 295.2 (oa) × 26.5ft, 8-TT. RN (13), RAN (6) and CFS (3) launched 1959–75.

‘Philomel’ class wood S. gunvessels, 428bm, 570 tons, 145 × 25.5ft, 1-68pdr, 2-24pdr, 2-20pdr, 27 laid down 1859–61.

‘Porpoise’ class diesel/electric s/m. 1, 605 tons, 295.2 (oa) × 26.5ft, 8-TT. 8 launched 1957–59

‘Portuguese’ type trawlers. 525/550 tons, 139/148 (oa) × 27.75ft, 1-12pdr. 6 wood and 6 steel construction and 2 cancelled.

‘R’ class destroyers, average 1, 065 tons, 265 × 26.5ft, 3-4in, 4-TT, 44 laid down 1915–16. Modified ‘R’ class destroyers, average 1, 085 tons and as ‘R’ class. 11 laid down 1916.

‘Resolution’ class missile s/m, 7, 500/8, 400 tons, 425 (oa) × 33ft, 16-Polaris, 6-TT, 4 launched 1966–68.

‘River’ class frigates, average 1, 375 tons, 283 (pp) 301.5 (oa) × 36ft, 2-4in, 10-20mm. 167 ordered 1941–42 including 78 RCN and 22 RAN and 2 transferred to the USN.

‘Round Table’ class trawlers, 440 tons, 137.75 (oa) × 233.75ft, 1-12pdr, 1-20mm, 2 MG. 8 in number.

‘S’ class destroyers, average 1, 075 tons, 265 × 26.5ft (Thornycroft design 1, 087 tons, 267 × 27ft and Yarrow design 930 tons, 260 × 26ft), 3-4in, 6-TT (reduced to 4). 69 laid down 1917–18.

‘S’ class s/m, 640 tons, 202.5 (oa) × 23.75ft (1931 boats); 670 tons, 208.8 (oa) × 23.75ft (1934 boats); 715 tons, 217 (oa) × 23.75ft (others); 1-3in or 1-4in, 6 or 7 –TT. 66 laid down 1931–44 (note: all war programme boats were ordered with ‘P’ numbers and received names in 1.1943. This number is given in the text only if the vessel had been launched without a name).

‘Sandown’ class minehunter, 484 tons full load, 172.9 (oa) × 34.4ft, 1-30mm. 12 vessels launched 1988–2001.

Shakespearian class trawlers, 545 tons, 164 (oa) × 27.75ft, 1-12pdr, 12 vessels ordered 12.1939.

‘Strath’ type trawlers, average 311 tons standard, 123 (oa) × 22ft, 1-12pdr, 167 vessels ordered 1917–18 including 21 non-standard. 46 completed as fishing vessels and 18 cancelled.

‘Swiftsure’ class nuclear s/m, 4, 600/4, 900 tons, 272 (oa) × 32.2ft, (Tomahawk), Sub Harpoon, 5-TT, 6 launched 1973–79.

‘T’ class s/m, 1, 090 tons, 265 (pp) 273-275 (oa) (TRITON 277) × 26.5ft, 1-4in, 10- or 11-TT. 58 laid down 1937–44 (see note after ‘S’ class).

‘Ton’ class coastal m/s, 360 tons, 153 (oa) × 28.8ft, 1-40mm. Launched from 1953–58, 116 built for the RN and other Navies. Similar class in RCN (‘Bay’) and design used for other navies.

‘Trafalgar’ class nuclear s/m, 4, 740/5, 208 tons, 280.1 (oa) × 32.1ft, Tomahawk, Sub Harpoon, 5-TT, 7 launched 1981–91.

‘Tree’ class trawlers, 530 tons, 160.5 (oa) × 27.5ft, 1-12pdr, 2 MG. 20 in number, also 40 Tree/Gem class purchased 1935.

‘24’ class minesweeping sloops, 1, 320 tons, 267.5 × 35ft, 2-4in (not mounted in all). 24 ordered 1917.

‘Type 23/Duke’ class frigates –Type 23. 3, 500 tons 436.2 (oa) × 52.8, 1-5in, Harpoon, Seawolf, 4-TT, Helo. 16 ships launched 1987–2000

‘Type 42’ destroyers –batch 1 (6 ships) 3, 500 tons, batch 2 (4 ships) 3, 800 tons, both –412 (oa) × 47ft, 1-4.5in, Sea Dart, Phalanx, 4-TT, Helo. Batch 3 (4 ships) –4, 500 tons (4650 after strengthening), 462.8 (oa) × 49.2ft, 1-4.5in, Sea Dart, Phalanx, 6-TT, Helo. 14 in all launched between 1971–83.

Type 45 –see ‘Daring’ class above.

‘U’ class s/m, 540 tons, 191.4 to 196.9 (oa) × 16.1ft, 1-3in, 4-TT. 49 laid down 1937-42 (see note after ‘S’ class).

‘Upholder’ class diesel/electric s/m, 2160/2455 tons, 230.6 (oa) × 25ft, 6-TT, 4 launched 1989–92.

‘V’ class s/m, 545 tons, 204.4 (oa) × 16.1ft, 1-3in, 4-TT. 34 ordered 1942–43 (see note after ‘S’ class).

‘V’/’W’ class destroyers, average 1, 300 tons, 300 (pp) 312 (oa) × 29.5ft, 4-4in, 4-TT (6-TT by 1922).

(‘W’ boats all built with 6-TT). 51 laid down 1916–17.

Modified ‘W’ destroyers, average 1, 325 tons, 4-4.7in, 6-TT. 56 ordered 1918.

‘Vanguard’ class ballistic missile s/m, 15, 900 tons dived, 491.8 (oa) × 42ft, 16-Trident, 4-TT, 4 launched 1992–98

‘Z’ class Admiralty whalers, 336 tons, 132.75 (oa) × 25ft, 1-12pdr (Z.1 + 1-6pdr). 15 (originally known as Z.1–15) built in 1915.

SOME NOTES ON NAMED WEAPONS LISTED

Exocet	Sea skimming medium range anti-ship missile
Goalkeeper	Short range anti-aircraft gunnery system
Harpoon	Anti-ship missile
Hedgehog	Anti-submarine ahead throwing spigot mortar
Ikara	Anti-submarine torpedo launcher
Limbo	Anti-submarine mortar –development of Squid with increased range and bearing capability
Polaris	Submarine launched ballistic missile
Phalanx	Short range anti-aircraft gunnery system
Seacat	Short range anti-aircraft missile
Sea Dart	Medium range anti-aircraft missile
Sea Slug	Medium range anti-aircraft missile
Sea Wolf	Short range anti-aircraft missile
Squid	Anti-submarine ahead throwing mortar
Sub Harpoon	Submarine launched anti-ship missile
Tomahawk	Land attack cruise missile
Trident	Submarine launched strategic missile

A NOTE ON REBUILDS

From researches made by Mr. Hepper and Mr. Lyon, it seems that many of the ships given in Admiralty lists as ‘rebuilds’ in the early 18th century should count as new ships, though using frames and timbers of ships of the same names of an earlier date. Examples are:

ANTELOPE (1702) BU Woolwich 2.1738. New ship launched Woolwich DY 1741.

BEDFORD (1698) BU 11.1736. New ship launched at Portsmouth DY 1741.

BOYNE (1692) BU 11.1733. New ship launched Deptford 28.5.1739.

CANTERBURY (1693) BU 4.1741. New ship launched Plymouth DY 2.2.1744.

CORNWALL (1692) BU 3.1722. New ship launched Deptford DY 17.10.1726.

CUMBERLAND (1710) BU 10.1732. New ship launched Woolwich DY 11.7.1739.

DARTMOUTH (1798) BU 9.1736. New ship launched Woolwich DY 22.4.1741.

ELIZABETH (1706) BU 1732. New ship launched Chatham DY 29.11.1737.

FALKLAND (1690) BU 3.1742. New ship launched Bursledon 17.3.1744.

GREENWICH (1666) BU 7.1724. New ship launched Chatham DY 15.2.1730.

HUMBER (1693) BU 11.1723. New ship launched Portsmouth DY 4.1.1726.

KINGSTON (1697) BU 11.1736. New ship launched Plymouth DY 8.10.1740.

LANCASTER (1694) BU 5.1719. New ship launched Portsmouth DY 1.9.1722.

LION (1709) BU 11.1735. New ship launched Deptford DY 25.4.1738.

MONMOUTH (1666) BU 7.1739. New ship launched Deptford DY 10.9.1742.

NAMUR (1697) BU 7.1723. New ship launched Deptford DY 13.9.1729.

NASSAU (1706) BU 6.1736. New ship launched Chatham DY 25.9.1740.

NEPTUNE (1683) BU 9.1724. New ship launched Woolwich DY 15.10.1730.

NEWARK (1695) BU 5.1741. New ship launched Chatham DY 27.8.1747.

NORFOLK (1693) BU 2.1717. New ship launched Plymouth DY 21.9.1728.

NOTTINGHAM (1703) BU 4.1739. New ship launched Sheerness DY 17.8.1745.

OXFORD (1694) BU 7.1723. New ship launched Portsmouth DY 10.7.1727.

PEARL (1700) BU 1722. New ship launched Deptford DY 1726.

PRINCE FREDERICK (EXPEDITION, 1679) BU 6.1736. New ship launched Deptford DY 18.3.1740.

PRINCESS MARY (MARY, 1704) BU 1.1736. New ship launched 3.10.1742.

RAMILLIES (KATHERINE, 1664) BU 8.1741. New ship launched Portsmouth DY 8.2.1749.

RANELAGH (1697) BU 9.1723. New ship launched as PRINCESS CAROLINE 15.3.1740.

ROYAL OAK (1674) BU 5.1737. New ship launched Plymouth DY 29.8.1741.

RUPERT (1666) BU 11.1736. New ship launched Sheerness DY 27.10.1740.

RUSSELL (1692) BU 9.1726. New ship launched Deptford DY 8.9.1735.

ST ALBANS (1706) BU 9.1734. New ship launched Plymouth DY 30.8.1737.

ST GEORGE (1701) BU 11.1726. New ship launched Portsmouth DY 3.4.1740.

SALISBURY (1698) BU as PRESTON 2.1739. New ship launched 18.9.1742.

SEVERN (1695) BU 6.1734. New ship launched Plymouth DY 28.3.1739.

SUFFOLK (1680) BU 1.1736. New ship launched Woolwich DY 5.3.1739.

SWIFTSURE (1673) BU as REVENGE 6.1740. New ship launched Deptford DY 25.5.1742.

TRIUMPH (1698) BU as PRINCE BU 12.1730. New ship launched Chatham DY 8.8.1750.

WARSPITE (1666) BU as EDINBURGH BU 1741. New ship launched Chatham DY 31.5.1744.

WINDSOR (1695) BU 10.1742. New ship launched Woolwich DY 26.2.1745.

WOOLWICH (1675) BU 8.1736. New ship launched Deptford DY 6.2.1741.

ACKOWLEDGEMENTS

Grateful thanks are due to the staff of the Admiralty Library, to Mr. H. Langley, Captain C. Page and Mr. D. Brown of the Naval Historical Branch, Ministry of Defence and to the following members of the World Ship Society; M. Crowdy (founder), J. Meirat for assistance with French ships, P. Silverstone and F. Dittmar (American Navy), G. Osborn, G. Ransome, R. Coleman, I. Buxton, D. Hepper and H. T. Lenton and to Mr. D. Lyon of the National Maritime Museum. Also my thanks to Steve Bush, Clive Brookes and Ross Gillett.

REFERENCES

Admiralty Progress Books and Navy Lists, Admiralty Library. World Ship Society records.

British Warship Names(Manning and Walker)

Repertoire des Navires de Guerre Francais (Musees de la Marine, Paris)

The Naval Service of Canada(Tucker)

The Ships of Canada’s Naval Forces 1910–1993 (Ken Macpherson & John Burgess)

Royal Australian Navy(Gill)

The Naval History of Great Britain(James)

ABBREVIATIONS USED

A/A	Anti-aircraft
ABS/ABV	Armed Boarding Steamer/Vessel
a/c	aircraft
acq.	acquired
AMC	Armed Merchant Cruiser
AO	Admiralty Order
Aux	Auxiliary
av.	average
BDV	Boom Defence Vessel
BU	Broken up
Canx	Cancelled
Carr.	Carronades
Cd	Commissioned
Compos.	Composite
conv	converted/conversion
CTL	Constructive Total Loss
DE	Diesel electric
Dr	Drifter
DY	Dockyard
Eng	Engineering
FV	Fishing vessel
GM	Guided missile
GWS	Guided Weapon System(s)
Helo	Helicopter(s)
HO	Handed over
ICBM	Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile
In	Inch
Inc	Including
Incomp.	Incomplete
LD	Laid down
LU	Laid up
MAC	Mercantile Aircraft Carrier
MCDV	Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel
MG	Machine Gun
MGB	Motor Gun Boat
ML	Motor Launch
M/L	Minelayer
mm	millimetre
Mod.	Modified
MOT	Ministry of Trade
M/s	Minesweeper
MTB	Motor Torpedo Boat
MWT	Ministry of War Transport
NC & A	Naval Construction & Armament Co., Elswick
NY	Navy Yard
oa	overall (length)
OBV	Ocean Boarding Vessel
orig.	originally
Pdr	Pounder
PO	Paid Off
poss	possibly
pp	between perpendiculars
Purch	Purchased
RAN	Royal Australian Navy
RCN	Royal Canadian Navy (and Canadian Forces)
RCeyN	Royal Ceylon Navy
RCMP	Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RIM	Royal Indian Marine
RIN	Royal Indian Navy
RNZN	Royal New Zealand Navy
RPN	Royal Pakistan Navy
Req	Requisitioned
S	Screw
SAM	Surface to Air Missile
SAN	South African Navy
S.Bkg	Ship Breaking
S/m	Submarine
Spec.	Speculative/as a speculation
SSM	Surface to Surface Missile
Stmr	Steamer
STUFT	Ship taken up from trade
SY	Shipyard
TE	Triple Expansion/Turbo Electric
Tlr	Trawler
TRV	Torpedo Recovery Vessel
TS	Training Ship
TT	Torpedo Tube(s)
Tx	Transfer(red)
USCG	US Coast Guard
USN	United States Navy
wl.	waterline (length)
WW2	World War Two
YC	Yard Craft
=	renamed