HMS Comet (R26)

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HMS Comet 1945 IWM FL 8293.jpg
Comet, 19 September 1945
History
Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom
NameComet
Builder Yarrow, Scotstoun
Laid down14 June 1943
Launched22 June 1944
Commissioned6 June 1945
Out of servicePaid off in February 1958
Identification Pennant number: R26 (later D26)
FateArrived for breaking up at Troon on 23 June 1962
General characteristics (as built)
Class and type C-class destroyer
Displacement1,865 long tons (1,895  t) (standard)
Length362 ft 9 in (110.6 m) o/a
Beam35 ft 8 in (10.9 m)
Draught15 ft 3 in (4.6 m) (full load)
Installed power
Propulsion2 shafts; 2 geared steam turbines
Speed36 knots (67 km/h; 41 mph)
Range4,675 nautical miles (8,658 km; 5,380 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement186
Armament

HMS Comet was one of thirty-two C-class destroyers built for the Royal Navy during the Second World War, a member of the eight-ship Co sub-class.

Contents

Design and description

The Co sub-class was a repeat of the preceding Ch sub-class. Comet displaced 1,865 long tons (1,895  t ) at standard load and 2,515 long tons (2,555 t) at deep load. They had an overall length of 362 feet 9 inches (110.6 m), a beam of 35 feet 8 inches (10.9 m) and a deep draught of 15 feet 3 inches (4.6 m). [1]

The ships were powered by a pair of geared steam turbines, each driving one propeller shaft using steam provided by two Admiralty three-drum boilers. The turbines developed a total of 40,000 indicated horsepower (30,000  kW ) and gave a speed of 36 knots (67 km/h; 41 mph) at normal load. [2] During her sea trials, Comet reached a speed of 31.8 knots (58.9 km/h; 36.6 mph) at a load of 2,200 long tons (2,200 t). [3] The Co sub-class carried enough fuel oil to give them a range of 4,675 nautical miles (8,658 km; 5,380 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph). The ships' complement was 186 officers and ratings. [1]

The main armament of the destroyers consisted of four QF 4.5-inch (114 mm) Mk IV dual-purpose guns, one superfiring pair each fore and aft of the superstructure protected by partial gun shields. Their anti-aircraft suite consisted of one twin-gun stabilised Mk IV "Hazemeyer" mount for 40-millimetre (1.6 in) Bofors guns and two single 2-pounder (40 mm) AA guns amidships, and single mounts for a 20-millimetre (0.8 in) Oerlikon AA gun on the bridge wings. [1] The ships were fitted with one quadruple mount for 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. [4] The ships were equipped with a pair of depth charge rails and two throwers for 35 depth charges. [5]

Construction and career

Comet was ordered from Yarrow on 12 September 1942 and the ship was laid down on 14 June 1943 at its shipyard in Scotstoun, launched on 22 June 1944 and was commissioned on 6 June 1945. [1] [6]

On commissioning Comet worked up at Scapa Flow, before carrying out occupation duties at Wilhelmshaven in Germany in August and October 1945, before leaving for the Far East for service with the British Pacific Fleet, arriving at Kure, Japan in February 1946. [7] She served as part of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla (later the 8th Destroyer Squadron) during her time in the Far East. She returned to the UK for a refit in 1948. She was given an interim modernization and was fitted for minelaying. [8] The ship then served as part of the 6th Destroyer Squadron in the Home Fleet between 1953 and 1957. Comet was paid off in February 1958. Following her sale she arrived at the breakers yard for scrapping at Troon on 23 October 1962. [9]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Lenton, p. 183
  2. ↑ Whitley, p. 136
  3. ↑ March, p. 429
  4. ↑ Chesneau, p. 43
  5. ↑ March, p. 424
  6. ↑ Friedman, p. 329
  7. ↑ English, p. 136
  8. ↑ Marriott, pp. 65–66
  9. ↑ English, p. 137

Bibliography

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