HMS Negro was an Admiralty M-class destroyer of the Royal Navy, built during the First World War. Constructed by Palmers at Jarrow, Tyneside, she was laid down in January 1915 and launched on 8 March 1916, with completion achieved by May of the same year. The M-class destroyers represented an improved and faster variant of the preceding Laforey class, displacing approximately 971 long tons (987 tonnes). She measured 273 feet 4 inches (83.3 meters) in length, with a beam of 26 feet 8 inches (8.1 meters), and a draught of 9 feet 8 inches (2.9 meters). Powered by three Parsons direct-drive steam turbines supplied by four Yarrow boilers, she generated a total of 25,000 shaft horsepower, capable of propelling her to a maximum speed of 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph). Her fuel capacity was 237 long tons (241 tonnes) of oil, granting her a range of about 2,100 nautical miles at 15 knots. The crew complement consisted of 76 officers and ratings. Armed with three QF 4-inch (102 mm) Mark IV guns and two QF 1.5-pounder (37 mm) anti-aircraft guns (later replaced by 2-pounder "pom-poms"), HMS Negro was well-equipped for fleet duties. She also carried two twin mounts for 21-inch (533 mm) torpedoes. Upon commissioning, she joined the 13th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet. Although she did not participate in the Battle of Jutland due to her recent completion, she was involved in escort duties, notably helping to escort the damaged battleship HMS Warspite after the battle. Her service included participation in engagements such as responding to German submarine attacks, notably rescuing the light cruiser Falmouth in August 1916 after U-boat attacks. Tragically, her service was cut short when, on 21 December 1916, she collided with the Flotilla leader HMS Hoste in severe weather conditions, leading to her sinking. The collision caused her hull to be blown out by depth charges from Hoste, resulting in the loss of 51 crew members. The wreck of HMS Negro was located in August 2023 at a depth of 100 meters, lying in two pieces near Fair Isle, confirmed by her ship’s bell. Her brief but active service exemplifies the rapid construction and deployment of wartime destroyers 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.