Definition
HMS Meteor (1914) refers to a Royal Navy warship launched in 1914 and officially designated as HMS Meteor. It was an Admiralty M-class destroyer that served during the First World War.
Overview
HMS Meteor was part of the British Royal Navy’s fleet during World War I. She was constructed by the Palmers Shipbuilding and Iron Company at their shipyard in Jarrow, England. Commissioned for service during a period of rapid naval expansion, the vessel operated primarily in the North Sea and English Channel, undertaking duties such as escort missions, anti-submarine patrols, and fleet screening.
The ship participated in several naval operations during the war, contributing to the Royal Navy's efforts to maintain maritime superiority and safeguard shipping lanes against German U-boats and surface raiders. After the war, like many destroyers of her class, she was decommissioned and eventually sold for scrap.
Etymology/Origin
The name "Meteor" follows the Royal Navy tradition of assigning names associated with natural phenomena or elements of speed and power to destroyers. "Meteor" historically refers to objects in the atmosphere, such as shooting stars or atmospheric disturbances, symbolizing swiftness and impact—qualities associated with destroyer-class vessels.
Characteristics
- Class: Admiralty M-class destroyer
- Builder: Palmers Shipbuilding and Iron Company, Jarrow
- Laid down: 1913
- Launched: 17 January 1914
- Completed: May 1914
- Displacement: Approximately 1,025 tons (deep load)
- Length: 273 ft 4 in (83.3 m)
- Beam: 26 ft 9 in (8.15 m)
- Draught: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m)
- Propulsion: Four-shaft Parsons steam turbines, powered by three Yarrow boilers
- Speed: 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph)
- Range: ~1,540 nautical miles at 15 knots
- Armament:
- Three 4-inch (102 mm) Mk IV guns
- One 2-pounder (40 mm) anti-aircraft gun
- Four 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes in two twin mounts
- Complement: Approximately 80 officers and ratings
Related Topics
- Royal Navy destroyers of World War I
- Admiralty M-class destroyers
- Naval warfare in the North Sea (1914–1918)
- Palmers Shipbuilding and Iron Company
- HMS Matchless (M-class sister ship)
- Naval arms race preceding World War I
HMS Meteor was sold for breaking up in May 1921. No further naval service was conducted under this name until later vessels adopted the designation HMS Meteor, including a World War II-era minesweeper.