Tribals, Battles and Darings on destroyer design and diplomacy

The Daring design had to reconcile heavy dual-purpose guns, anti-submarine weapons, speed for carrier screening, and the end of wartime specialist construction. Its size followed from preserving those capabilities rather than from a simple desire to build a cruiser. Nearly a decade between the first wartime authorization and full commissioning also exposed the class to changing constructors, Sea Lords, and post-war requirements. Improved accommodation, a carefully styled silhouette, and visible weaponry equipped the ships for overseas presence and deterrence, continuing a role previously filled by Tribals and County-class cruisers.