HMS Diana was a D-class destroyer of the Royal Navy, constructed by Palmers Shipbuilding and Iron Company. Ordered in 1931, she was laid down on June 12, 1931, launched on June 16, 1932, and commissioned into service on December 21, 1932. The vessel displaced 1,375 long tons at standard load and up to 1,890 long tons at deep load. She measured 329 feet (100.3 meters) in overall length, with a beam of 33 feet (10.1 meters) and a draft of 12 feet 6 inches (3.8 meters). Powered by Parsons geared steam turbines driving two shafts, she generated 36,000 shaft horsepower, allowing a maximum speed of 36 knots (67 km/h). Her steam was supplied by three Admiralty 3-drum water-tube boilers, and she carried a maximum of 473 long tons (481 tons) of fuel oil, providing a range of approximately 5,870 nautical miles at 15 knots. The ship's complement consisted of 145 officers and men. Armament included four 45-caliber 4.7-inch Mark IX guns in single mounts, one 12-pounder AA gun positioned between the funnels, and two QF 2-pounder Mk II AA guns mounted on the bridge sides. For torpedo armament, she had two quadruple 21-inch torpedo tube mounts. Her anti-submarine weaponry comprised one depth charge rail, two throwers, and an initial load of 20 depth charges, later increased to 35. Diana's service history spanned deployments across the Mediterranean, China Station, and Red Sea during the Abyssinia Crisis. She participated in the early stages of World War II, serving with the Mediterranean Fleet and later with the Home Fleet’s 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, performing escort, patrol, and screening duties. Notable operations included escorting aircraft carriers during the Norwegian Campaign and supporting evacuations from Norway. In 1940, she was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy, renamed HMCS Margaree, and tasked with convoy escort duties. Tragically, on October 22, 1940, she was sunk in a collision with the freighter MV Port Fairy, which cut her in two shortly after midnight. Of the 176 crew aboard, 34 were rescued, and 142 were lost, marking a brief but active service life that reflected her role in early wartime naval operations.

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