Q&A ยท 55:15-55:47

Thirty advanced destroyers for the Royal Navy in 1939

A powerful addition for fighting other destroyers and carrying out anti-submarine work.

Question

What would thirty proposed advanced auxiliary destroyers give the Royal Navy in April 1939?

Short answer

A powerful addition for fighting other destroyers and carrying out anti-submarine work.

Notes

The scenario gives the Royal Navy thirty advanced auxiliary destroyers on 10 April 1939. Their twin-screw steam turbines provide 33 knots, and the specified weapons include four twin dual-purpose 4.5-inch mounts and two quadruple torpedo launchers. Radar, a towed sonar system, two Hedgehog launchers and stern depth charges add substantial detection and anti-submarine capability. They would be dangerous opponents for contemporary destroyers and valuable for anti-submarine work. These ships are a counterfactual addition to the fleet.