Marksman-class leaders could make about 34 knots, with a quoted range of 4,019 nautical miles at 15 knots. Displacement varied with loading, from roughly 1,400 tons normal to 1,700 tons full load, while about 1,600 tons provides a general guide. Their weapons comprised four 4-inch guns, two 2-pounder pom-poms and two twin 21-inch torpedo mountings. Abdiel and Gabriel were converted into fast minelayers. A photograph of Nimrod illustrates a recognition trap: the class had four funnels, while a vessel behind her accounts for the apparent extra pair.
Chapter · 21:43-22:58
Marksman-class leaders: size, weapons and minelaying
The Marksman-class profile combines a 34-knot leader with four 4-inch guns and enough flexibility for minelaying conversions.