Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:52:52-2:53:12

How many Tribal-class destroyers Britain, Canada, and Australia planned

Britain's sixty-ship ambition produced sixteen hulls, while Canadian and Australian plans shifted from eight each to twelve and four with Dominion construction included.

Naval ProcurementRoyal Australian NavyRoyal Canadian NavyRoyal NavyShipbuildingTribal Class Destroyers (1936)
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Question

How many Tribal-class destroyers were the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Australian Navy supposed to receive?

Short answer

The Royal Navy planned sixty but received sixteen; Canada and Australia initially planned eight each, later adjusted to twelve Canadian and four Australian ships with some local construction.

Notes

The figures reveal a large gap between British ambition and completed strength. Britain expected a force of sixty Tribals but obtained only sixteen. Canadian and Australian planning began with eight ships apiece, then shifted to twelve for Canada and four for Australia. Both Dominion programmes included plans to build ships at home rather than rely entirely on British yards. The intended imperial force was much larger than the ships available to meet demand.