HMS Bat was a Palmer-built, three-funnel, 30-knot torpedo boat destroyer constructed for the Royal Navy, launched in 1896. She measured 220 feet (67.06 meters) in overall length, with a beam of 20 feet 9 inches (6.32 meters) and a draught of 9 feet 9 inches (2.97 meters). Displacing approximately 390 long tons (400 metric tons) when light and 440 long tons (450 metric tons) at full load, she featured a hull designed for high-speed performance. Her propulsion system consisted of four Reed water tube boilers feeding steam at 250 psi to triple expansion engines rated at 6,200 indicated horsepower, driving two propeller shafts, allowing her to achieve and maintain her contractual speed of 30 knots during sea trials. Her armament included a single 12-pounder 12 cwt gun on a platform serving as her conning tower and bridge, supported by five 6-pounder guns and two 18-inch torpedo tubes, making her a formidable vessel for her size. The crew complement ranged from 60 to 63 officers and men. HMS Bat's service began with her commissioning in 1897, where she joined the 2nd Fleet based at Devonport for training duties. She was notable for being the first Royal Navy destroyer to receive a gyroscope-fitted torpedo in 1898. Throughout her early years, she participated in various exercises, including leading flotillas and undergoing repairs after collisions and engine-room accidents. Between 1902 and 1905, she was deployed to the Mediterranean, serving as a tender to HMS Orion and participating in cruises around the Greek islands. By 1913, she was classified as a C-class destroyer with the designation assigned due to her speed and funnel configuration. During World War I, HMS Bat was active in patrol and escort duties, initially supporting the Grand Fleet and later operating in the East Coast Convoy Flotilla. Notably, she engaged in firing upon the British submarine C10 in 1917 and was involved in collisions, including sinking the tug Guiana in 1918. Decommissioned in 1919, HMS Bat was sold for scrap later that year, marking her as a significant early example of high-speed, multi-funnel destroyers that contributed to the evolution of naval tactics and convoy escort strategies during the early 20th century.

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