HMS Linnet was a Laforey-class destroyer constructed for the Royal Navy, launched on 16 August 1913 and initially named HMS Havock. Built by Yarrow at Scotstoun on the River Clyde, the ship was laid down on 28 June 1912 as part of the 1912–1913 naval programme. She measured 268 feet 8 inches (81.89 meters) in overall length, with a beam of 27 feet 8 inches (8.43 meters) and a draught of 10 feet 6 inches (3.20 meters). Displacing approximately 970 long tons (990 tonnes) at normal load, she was powered by three Yarrow boilers feeding two Brown-Curtis steam turbines rated at 24,500 shaft horsepower, allowing her to reach a designed speed of 29 knots (54 km/h). Her range was about 1,720 nautical miles (3,190 km) at 15 knots, and she carried a complement of 73 officers and ratings. The vessel's armament comprised three QF 4-inch (102 mm) Mk IV guns positioned along the centerline—one on the forecastle, one aft, and one between the funnels—capable of firing shells weighing 31 pounds (14 kg). She was also equipped with one single 7.7 mm Maxim gun, a single 2-pounder (40 mm) "pom-pom" anti-aircraft gun added later, and two twin mounts for 21-inch (533 mm) torpedoes aft. Additionally, she had capacity for four Vickers Elia Mk.4 mines, although this feature was never utilized. Depth charges and a chute and two launchers for them were added later, with successful tests conducted in June 1917. Renamed HMS Linnet on 30 September 1913, she joined the Third Destroyer Flotilla within the Harwich Force upon commissioning. Her early service included participation in the Battle of Heligoland Bight in August 1914, where she engaged German ships with gunfire and torpedoes. She also escorted minelayers on mine-laying missions, notably nearly being hit by a gun from the stricken minelayer Amphion during one such operation. Throughout the war, Linnet served mainly in escort roles, including supporting bombing missions and defending against German surface and torpedo craft. After the war, she was placed in reserve and was sold for breaking up on 4 November 1921. Her service exemplifies the evolution of destroyer design and their vital role in naval operations during World War I.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.