The 24 class sits close to the older Flower-class scale and demonstrates the continued utility of the sloop form. HMS Maryhampton's conversion into the survey ship HMS Herald shows its flexibility. Survey work supplied the geographic knowledge needed for operations. It also gave small ships a valuable peacetime purpose.
Notable Point · 39:12-40:28
The 24 class and survey conversion
The pre-treaty 24 class illustrates how sloop hulls could support survey work as well as routine naval duties.