These destroyers were versatile, easy to produce, and could be used in bulk for many different operations.
Key point: Destroyers could help protect bigger warships and convoys from submarines. But destroyers could also come with anti-aircraft weapons and engage in surface action too.
No class of ship in World War II saw more service than the destroyers of the Royal Navy. While capital ships might rest at anchor for months at a time, the destroyer fleet was always busy. From the moment the war started in September 1939, destroyers were at sea performing convoy duty, antisubmarine patrols, rescue operations, minelaying and minesweeping, escort duty for the big ships, shore bombardment, and whatever additional tasks might be required of them. Their work was dirty and dangerous.