HMS Loyal was an L-class destroyer constructed for the Royal Navy in the late 1930s, with her keel laid down on 23 November 1938 by Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Greenock. She was launched on 8 October 1941 and completed by 31 October 1942, during the height of World War II. As an L-class vessel, Loyal was designed as an enlarged and improved version of the earlier J-class destroyers, featuring dual-purpose guns and enhanced capabilities. The ship displaced approximately 1,920 long tons at standard load and up to 2,675 long tons at deep load. Her overall length measured 362 feet 3 inches (110.4 meters), with a beam of 37 feet (11.3 meters) and a deep draught of 13 feet 9 inches (4.2 meters). Power was provided by Parsons geared steam turbines, generating 48,000 shaft horsepower (36,000 kW), which enabled a maximum speed of 36 knots (67 km/h). Her fuel capacity of 567 long tons (576 tonnes) allowed a range of about 5,500 nautical miles (10,200 km) at a cruising speed of 15 knots. Armament included six 4.7-inch (120 mm) Mark XI guns arranged in twin mounts—two superfiring in front of the bridge and one aft—providing versatile surface and anti-aircraft firepower. Her anti-aircraft armament comprised a quadruple 2-pounder "pom-pom" mount and six single Oerlikon 20 mm cannons, later upgraded to twin mounts. Loyal was also equipped with two quadruple 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes and carried 45 depth charges, reflecting her role in fleet screening and anti-submarine warfare. Loyal's service was marked by her active involvement in wartime operations until she struck a mine on 12 October 1944. The mine caused extensive damage, leading to her being declared a constructive total loss. Despite her relatively short service life, HMS Loyal exemplifies the design advancements of late WWII destroyers and contributed to the Royal Navy’s wartime efforts before her loss.

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