Definition HMS Express was an E-class destroyer that served in the Royal Navy from 1934 to 1943, playing a significant role during the early years of World War II before being transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy and renamed HMCS Gatineau.
Overview Constructed as part of the interwar E-class destroyer program, HMS Express was designed for speed and versatility. Upon commissioning, she served with the Home Fleet and Mediterranean Fleet, gaining operational experience before the outbreak of World War II. During the war, Express participated in several crucial operations, including the Norwegian Campaign, anti-invasion patrols in the English Channel, and notably, the Dunkirk evacuation, where she was damaged by a mine. Following repairs, she engaged in convoy escort duties across various theatres, including Arctic convoys. In 1943, as part of an Anglo-Canadian agreement, she was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and recommissioned as HMCS Gatineau, continuing her service in the Battle of the Atlantic. After the war, she was paid off and eventually scrapped in 1956.
Etymology/Origin The prefix "HMS" stands for "His Majesty's Ship" or "Her Majesty's Ship," a standard designation for warships of the Royal Navy. The name "Express" traditionally conveys concepts of speed, directness, or rapid delivery, aligning with the operational expectations of a destroyer designed for swift action and rapid deployment. This name was given to several ships in British naval history, often reflecting their intended role or characteristics.
Characteristics
- Class: E-class destroyer
- Displacement: 1,350 long tons (standard); 1,887 long tons (full load)
- Length: 329 feet (100.3 m) overall
- Beam: 33 feet 3 inches (10.13 m)
- Draught: 12 feet 6 inches (3.81 m)
- Propulsion: Two Parsons geared steam turbines, three Admiralty 3-drum boilers, producing 36,000 shaft horsepower (27,000 kW), driving two shafts.
- Speed: 36 knots (67 km/h; 41 mph)
- Range: Approximately 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h).
- Armament (initial):
- Four single 4.7-inch (120 mm) QF Mark IX guns
- Two twin 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Vickers machine guns
- Eight 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes in two quadruple mounts
- Depth charges for anti-submarine warfare (initially 20, later increased)
- Crew: 145 officers and ratings
- Builder: Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend
- Laid Down: 23 March 1933
- Launched: 23 May 1934
- Commissioned: 2 November 1934
Related Topics
- Royal Navy
- Royal Canadian Navy
- E-class destroyer
- World War II
- Dunkirk Evacuation
- Battle of the Atlantic
- HMCS Gatineau
- Destroyers of the Royal Navy