The Laforey class roughly doubled the earlier Tribal example's shaft horsepower while keeping speed near 29 knots. A range exceeding 1,700 nautical miles at 15 knots gave the illustrated ship useful cruising endurance. Three 4-inch guns, light anti-aircraft weapons, and two twin 21-inch torpedo mountings increased firepower over earlier designs. Larger torpedoes answered capital ships becoming better able to survive hits. The illustrated Laforey-class ship was laid down in July 1912, launched in June 1913, and commissioned that October, so it was already available when the First World War began.
Chapter · 25:43-30:19
Laforey-class firepower on the eve of war
The Laforey class turns rapidly improving turbines, endurance, 4-inch guns, and larger torpedoes into a capable destroyer ready at the outbreak of the First World War.