HMS Grenade (H86)

HMS Grenade (H86) was a G-class destroyer of the Royal Navy. Built by Alexander Stephen and Sons, she was launched on 12 December 1935 and commissioned on 18 March 1936.

Service History:

• Pre-War: Following commissioning, HMS Grenade served with the Mediterranean Fleet until the outbreak of World War II.

• World War II: Upon the commencement of hostilities, HMS Grenade returned to home waters and served on convoy escort duties, primarily in the Atlantic and North Sea. She also participated in operations in Norwegian waters during the early stages of the war, including the Norwegian Campaign in 1940.

• Loss: HMS Grenade was sunk on 29 May 1940 during the Battle of Dunkirk. While evacuating troops from the beaches, she was heavily bombed by German aircraft and subsequently sank.

Specifications (Typical for G-Class Destroyer):

• Displacement: Approximately 1,350 tons standard, 1,883 tons full load.
• Length: 323 feet (98.5 m) overall.
• Beam: 33 feet (10.1 m).
• Draught: 12 feet 3 inches (3.7 m).
• Propulsion: Two Parsons geared turbines, two Admiralty 3-drum water-tube boilers.
• Speed: 36 knots (67 km/h; 41 mph).
• Armament: Typically four 4.7 inch (120 mm) guns, eight 0.5 inch machine guns, two quadruple 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes.

Fate:

The wreck of HMS Grenade lies off Dunkirk and is designated as a protected war grave. The ship is remembered for her service and sacrifice during the critical early stages of World War II.