HMS Atherstone was ordered in March 1939, laid down in June, launched in December, and commissioned in March 1940. That chronology shows a design and programme already worked out before the German invasion of Poland. The Hunt combined destroyer-like speed with four-inch anti-aircraft guns, ASDIC, and depth charges, deliberately omitting the torpedo battery of a fleet destroyer. Its escort-destroyer concept could support task forces while remaining close enough to treaty sloop limits to preserve room under any revived agreement.
Notable Point · 1:20:18-1:31:53
The Hunt class as evidence of prewar planning
The Hunt-class escort destroyers illustrate procurement plans already in motion before September 1939 rather than an improvised wartime start.