How 56 V and W destroyers filled three escort roles

The Royal Navy entered the war with 56 First World War-era V and W destroyers and adapted them rather than treating the class as one uniform asset. Long-range conversions removed a smaller boiler and its machinery, turning the released volume into fuel storage and accommodation for the larger crews needed to operate added guns and sensors. The resulting ships could still make roughly 24.5 knots, enough to regain station on a convoy while gaining the endurance required for Atlantic work. Anti-aircraft conversions were produced quickly to help cover Hunt- and Black Swan-class shortfalls on the East Coast under German air attack. Hulls unsuitable for those major conversions served as short-range escorts and continued to evolve as practical needs arose.