HMS Beagle was a B-class destroyer constructed for the Royal Navy around 1930, representing a significant component of British naval forces in the interwar period and during World War II. She was built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Glasgow, with her keel laid on October 11, 1929, and launched on September 26, 1930. The vessel was completed on April 9, 1931, at a cost of approximately £220,342, excluding equipment supplied by the Admiralty. Physically, HMS Beagle displaced 1,360 long tons at standard load and 1,790 long tons at deep load. She measured 323 feet (98.5 meters) in length, with a beam of 32 feet 3 inches (9.8 meters) and a draught of 12 feet 3 inches (3.7 meters). Powered by Brown-Curtis geared steam turbines driving two shafts, she developed a total of 34,000 shaft horsepower, enabling a maximum speed of 35 knots. Her range was about 4,800 nautical miles at 15 knots, fueled by three Admiralty 3-drum boilers carrying up to 390 long tons of fuel oil. Her complement consisted of 134 officers and ratings, increasing to 142 during wartime. Armament initially included four 4.7-inch Mk IX guns and two 40mm AA guns, with additional anti-submarine equipment such as depth charges, ASDIC, and torpedo tubes. Throughout her service, her armament was upgraded, including the addition of a Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar and Oerlikon autocannons, reflecting her evolving role as an escort destroyer during wartime. HMS Beagle's service history was marked by versatility and active engagement in numerous key operations. Assigned initially to the Mediterranean Fleet, she later joined the Home Fleet. During WWII, she participated in the Norwegian Campaign, Battle of the Atlantic, Operation Torch, and the Normandy landings. She notably helped evacuate British troops during the Battle of France, rescuing 600 survivors from the ocean liner Lancastria. The destroyer also contributed to anti-submarine warfare, sinking one German U-boat and claiming to shoot down two aircraft. After her extensive wartime service, including convoy escort duties across the Arctic and Atlantic, HMS Beagle was decommissioned and placed in reserve in 1945. She was scrapped in 1946, ending her notable career as a resilient and versatile Royal Navy escort vessel during a critical period in maritime history.

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