HMS Berkeley

HMS Berkeley was a Hunt-class destroyer of the Royal Navy that saw service during the Second World War. Launched in 1919, she was part of the first group of these specialized escort destroyers designed for anti-submarine and convoy protection duties. Her career was primarily spent in the English Channel and North Sea, culminating in her involvement in the Dieppe Raid in 1942.

History

The vessel was ordered under the Emergency War Programme during the latter stages of the First World War from the shipbuilder J. Samuel White at their yard on the Isle of Wight. Her construction reflected the Admiralty's urgent need for vessels capable of countering the threat posed by German U-boats to allied shipping. Although launched after the Armistice of 11 November 1918, she was completed and entered service with the Royal Navy in 1919, a period marked by significant naval drawdowns and the Washington Naval Treaty.

Design and description

As a member of the Hunt-class Type I group, Berkeley was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, sacrificing some speed and gun armament for improved seakeeping and endurance compared to fleet destroyers like the V and W-class destroyer. Her propulsion was provided by Parsons steam turbines driving two shafts, which generated a top speed of around 27 knots. Primary armament consisted of four QF 4 inch Mk V naval gun mounted in single positions, supplemented by a QF 2-pounder naval gun for anti-aircraft defence. For her primary role, she was equipped with depth charge rails and throwers, and later in her career, her anti-aircraft armament was enhanced with Oerlikon 20 mm cannon to counter the growing threat from the Luftwaffe.

Service history

Following commissioning, Berkeley served with the Atlantic Fleet during the interwar period, often engaged in fleet exercises and port visits. At the outbreak of the Second World War, she was assigned to Dover Command, performing vital patrol and convoy escort duties in the Strait of Dover. She was involved in the evacuation of Allied forces from Boulogne during the Battle of France in 1940. Subsequently, she operated from ports like Portsmouth and Harwich, protecting coastal convoys along the East Coast of England from attacks by E-boats and aircraft. In 1942, she was assigned to support Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid.

Commanding officers

From her commissioning, command was held by officers such as Lieutenant Commander John G. B. Roome, who oversaw her early service. During the critical war years, command passed to officers including Lieutenant Commander H. T. Armstrong, who was in command during the actions off the French coast in 1940. Her final commanding officer was Lieutenant Commander N. F. R. MacFie, who was in charge during the vessel's participation in the Dieppe Raid and her subsequent loss.

Fate

On 19 August 1942, during the Dieppe Raid, Berkeley was providing naval gunfire support off the coast of Dieppe when she was severely damaged by attacks from Junkers Ju 87 dive-bombers of the Luftwaffe. With her steering gear disabled and taking on water, the decision was made to scuttle the vessel to prevent her capture. Survivors were taken off by the destroyer HMS Albrighton and the vessel was sunk by torpedoes from Motor Gun Boat MGB 312. Her wreck lies in the English Channel near Dieppe.

Category:Hunt-class destroyers Category:Ships sunk in the English Channel Category:World War II destroyers of the United Kingdom