TNA ADM 199 792

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CONFIDENTIAL.
1940
REGISTRY
100L
11388
D.1.AB/40.
19th September, 1940.
1940
Sir,
H.M. DESTROYERS LOST AT DUNKIRK.
Material - General Report on Behaviour of -
Having completed, as regards H.M. Destroyers, the
enquiries directed by Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40, dated
1st August 1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the
following recommendations relating to this class of vessel :-
2. A/A Guns, Arc of Fire.
The mainmast should be removed to give a better ard of
fire for A/A guns, the mast being replaced by a light metal
(gas-pipe) gallows to take the after end of the aerials. This
fitting has been seen in vessels at Harwich and appears to be
quite satisfactory.
3. A/A Armament.
The 4 barrel .5" guns should be replaced by 4 or more
single barrel guns, as it is considered that better results would
be obtained by 4 men laying single guns on the same target than
by one man laying 4 guns on the target. The provision of
Oerlikon guns is most desirable, also of Bren guns instead of
Lewis guns. It was brought to light that in one destroyer;
where a number of Bren guns (brought on board by the Military)
were manned, considerable damage and loss was inflicted on enemy
bombers which could not be done with the ship's A/A armament.
4. Searchlights.
Opinion regarding the position and size of the searchlights
is varied. In the majority it is considered that the new large
light on a high platform amidships is not warranted, especially as
the control from the bridge is not very satisfactory. It is.
contended that a powerful searchlight with a limited arc, espcially
ahead, is normally not of great value and that a smaller light
(e.g. the old 24") sited above the bridge and able to show up an
object directly ahead would be of more value. The reduction in
weight of the large searchlight and the mainmast should allow of
a smaller light with shorter control system being placed higher
up forward.
(ii) The existing searchlight platform is in a most suitable
place for A/A guns and, if the searchlight were removed
and the platform enlarged athwartship, the existing 3"
and/or pom-pem platforms could be removed and the A/A
armament mounted on modified searchlight platform.
1940.
A/
5.
Shields for A/A Guns.
It is considered that light shields should be provided for
all A/A guns. However light the shield is, it has the effect of
removing the feeling of "nakedness" from the guns' crew and
undoubtedly gives a certain amount of protection against machine
gun fire and splinters. The shields fitted locally in Minesweepers,
Corvettes, Trawlers, etc., at Harwich appear to be very suitable. LB