Dragonfly, Grasshopper, Scorpion, Locust, and Mosquito were ordered as 1937 replacements for aging Insect-class gunboats. They displaced roughly 594 tons and had 3,800 shaft horsepower, two-shaft machinery, a 17-knot speed, and a 74-person wartime complement. Their weapons comprised two single four-inch guns, a 3.7-inch howitzer, and machine guns, but the four-inch mountings elevated only to about 40 degrees and were not true anti-aircraft weapons. The combination suited presence, river support, and coastal work far better than fleet combat or survival under sustained air attack.
Chapter · 42:04-43:24
Dragonfly class design profile
The Dragonfly class is introduced as a 1937 replacement for aging Insect-class gunboats, with modest power, shallow-water duties, and limited armament.