7091 H.M.S. HARDY 1940

HMS Hardy (H87) was a British destroyer, the keel of which was laid in May 1935, launched in April 1936, and was completely completed in December 1936. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 102.7 m, width 10.4 m, with a standard displacement of about 1,500 tons. In turn, the maximum speed was up to 36 knots. The ship's armament included: 5 120 mm Mark IX guns and 2 quadruple 533 mm torpedo tubes. HMS Hardy (H87) was one of the class H destroyers, which class of ships was based on the F and G destroyers. Compared to the F type, it had a differently constructed and equipped engine room and improved ZOP (anti-submarine fighting) and trawling capabilities. However, compared to the G-class, it differed in insignificant details of the structure. Overall, the G and H-class destroyers proved successful and valuable. HMS Hardy (H87) was built at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead in the North West of England and was directed to the Mediterranean Sea shortly after entering active service. He also operated on it at the outbreak of World War II, but shortly thereafter was directed to the base in Freetown and began operating in the South Atlantic. In April 1940, he took part in the Norwegian campaign. In its course, it was lost on April 10, 1940, having previously fought an unequal, but very brave fight with three German destroyers.