Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 49:09-49:29

Johnston, Campbeltown, Eskimo, or Javelin?

A best-destroyer question distinguishes a ship's conventional combat record from an exceptional mission in which the hull itself became the weapon.

Battle Off SamarBattles Of NarvikDestroyersHMS CampbeltownHMS EskimoHMS JavelinSaint-Nazaire RaidUSS Johnston
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Question

Which was the most effective destroyer: USS Johnston or HMS Campbeltown?

Short answer

Probably USS Johnston, because Campbeltown's greatest effect came from serving as a bomb, with Eskimo and Javelin also worth mentioning.

Notes

The choice depends on what counts as effectiveness. HMS Campbeltown belongs in a separate category because her decisive use at Saint-Nazaire was principally as an explosive charge rather than as a fighting destroyer. USS Johnston is therefore the preferred comparison. HMS Eskimo at Narvik and HMS Javelin also deserve honorable mention for their operational records.