HMS Viking (1909)

HMS Viking was a Tribal-class (also known as F-class) destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the first decade of the 20th century. She was part of the second group of Tribal-class destroyers, sometimes referred to as the Afridi-class. Viking was built by Hawthorn Leslie and Company, and launched in 1909. These destroyers were designed to be larger and more powerful than their predecessors, capable of high speed and carrying a significant armament.

Design and Characteristics:

The Tribal class were significantly larger than previous destroyer designs. Viking displaced around 1,072 long tons (1,089 t) at standard load. Her overall length was approximately 270 feet (82.3 m), with a beam of 27 feet (8.2 m) and a draught of 8 feet 6 inches (2.6 m). She was powered by steam turbines driving three shafts, producing around 15,500 shaft horsepower, which gave her a design speed of 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph).

Armament:

Viking's armament typically consisted of two single 4-inch (102 mm) guns, one mounted on the forecastle and the other on the stern, and two 12-pounder (3-inch, 76 mm) guns. She also carried two 18-inch (450 mm) torpedo tubes.

Service History:

Upon commissioning, Viking served with the Royal Navy’s Home Fleet and subsequently with other flotillas. Her service primarily involved patrol duties and exercises within British waters. During World War I, Viking was involved in operations in the North Sea and English Channel, participating in convoy escort duties and anti-submarine patrols. Details of her specific wartime actions are not extensively documented, but she contributed to the overall naval effort of the Royal Navy.

Fate:

HMS Viking was sold for scrap in 1919, following the end of World War I, as part of the post-war reduction in naval forces.