HMS Ulysses was a Royal Navy modified R-class destroyer launched in March 1917 by William Doxford & Sons in Sunderland. The vessel measured approximately 276 feet (84.1 meters) in length overall, with a beam of 27 feet (8.2 meters) and a draught of 11 feet (3.4 meters). Displacing around 1,035 long tons (1,052 metric tons) at normal load, she was designed for high speed and operational efficiency, powered by three Yarrow boilers and two Parsons geared steam turbines rated at 27,000 shaft horsepower, enabling her to reach a top speed of 36 knots (67 km/h). Constructed as part of the Eighth War Construction Programme, Ulysses incorporated improvements from the Yarrow Later M class, notably geared turbines, hull strengthening, and strategic modifications to enhance seakeeping and performance in bad weather. Her armament comprised three single 4-inch (102 mm) Mk V QF guns positioned on the centerline—one on the forecastle, one aft on a raised platform, and one between the funnels—allowing an extended range of up to 11,000 meters. Additionally, she carried a 2-pounder "pom-pom" anti-aircraft gun, torpedo tubes for 21-inch torpedoes, and depth charge racks, initially with two but later up to 50 depth charges, reflecting her anti-submarine role. Ulysses served with the Fifteenth Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet, based initially at Scapa Flow and later at Rosyth, primarily escorting convoys between Britain and Scandinavia. She participated in anti-submarine patrols in mid-1917, during which numerous submarine sightings and attacks occurred, although no submarines were sunk. Her service was marked by her contribution to convoy protection amidst the evolving German U-boat threat during World War I. The vessel's career ended on 29 October 1918 when she collided with the SS Ellerie in foggy conditions in the Firth of Clyde, leading to her sinking. Fortunately, her entire crew was rescued by the drifter Ivy III, and her sinking remains a maritime incident without known precise location due to wartime secrecy. HMS Ulysses exemplified the wartime evolution of destroyer design and served an important role in convoy escort operations during her brief but active service.

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