The Darings are the clearest expression here of the back-pocket-cruiser idea: nominal destroyers with the scale and bearing to perform peacetime work normally associated with cruisers. They evolved from the 1944 Battle-class design into larger postwar ships rather than remaining wartime destroyers. The added scale gave the class the presence needed to stand in for scarce cruisers. This combination made Daring both a combatant and a practical instrument of peacetime naval presence.
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The Daring class as a postwar back-pocket cruiser
The Daring class evolved from the 1944 Battle-class design into a larger postwar destroyer suited to cruiser-like presence.