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{{short description|Destroyer of the Royal Navy}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2017}}
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{{Infobox ship career
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Ship country= [[United Kingdom]]
|Ship country= [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]]
|Ship flag= {{shipboxflag|UK|naval}}
|Ship flag= {{shipboxflag|United Kingdom|naval}}
|Ship name=HMS ''Westcott''
|Ship name=HMS ''Westcott''
|Ship ordered= December 1916
|Ship ordered= December 1916
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==Construction and design==
==Construction and design==
On 9 December 1916, the British [[Admiralty]] placed an order for 21 large destroyers based on the [[V and W-class destroyer#Admiralty V class|V class]], which became the Admiralty W class.<ref name="Fried p164-5">{{harvnb|Friedman|2009|pages=164–165}}</ref> Of these destroyers, two, ''Westcott'' and {{HMS|Walker|D27|2}} were ordered from the Scottish shipbuilders [[William Denny and Brothers]].<ref name="Fried p312-3">{{harvnb|Friedman|2009|pages=312–313}}</ref><ref name=NHRN>{{cite web |last=Mason |first=Geoffrey B |year=2005 |url= http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-09VW-Westcott.htm |work=Chronologies of War Service of Royal Navy Warships |title=HMS ''Westcott'' – V & W-class Destroyer |publisher=naval-history.net |accessdate=23 July 2009}}</ref>
On 9 December 1916, the [[British Admiralty]] placed an order for 21 large destroyers based on the [[V and W-class destroyer#Admiralty V class|V class]], which became the Admiralty W class.<ref name="Fried p164-5">{{harvnb|Friedman|2009|pages=164–165}}</ref> Of these destroyers, two, ''Westcott'' and {{HMS|Walker|D27|2}} were ordered from the Scottish shipbuilders [[William Denny and Brothers]].<ref name="Fried p312-3">{{harvnb|Friedman|2009|pages=312–313}}</ref><ref name=NHRN>{{cite web |last=Mason |first=Geoffrey B |year=2005 |url= http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-09VW-Westcott.htm |work=Chronologies of War Service of Royal Navy Warships |title=HMS ''Westcott'' – V & W-class Destroyer |publisher=naval-history.net |access-date=23 July 2009}}</ref>


''Westcott'' was {{convert|312|ft|m|1}} [[overall length|long overall]] and {{convert|300|ft|m|1}} [[length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]], with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|26|ft|6|in|m}} and a [[Draft (ship)|draught]] of between {{convert|10|ft|9|in|m}} and {{convert|11|ft|11+1/2|in|m|2}} depending on load. [[Displacement (ship)|Displacement]] was {{convert|1100|LT|t|lk=in}} standard,<ref name="preston p102,5,7">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|pages=102, 105, 107}}</ref> and up to {{convert|1490|LT|t}} deep load.<ref name="conways06 p83-4">{{harvnb|Gardiner|Gray|1985|pages=83–84}}</ref> Three oil-fed [[Yarrow boiler]]s raising steam at {{convert|250|psi}} fed Brown-Curtis geared [[steam turbines]] which developed {{convert|27,000|shp|kW}}, driving two screws for a maximum designed speed of {{convert|34|kn|lk=in}}.<ref name="preston p102,5,7"/><ref name="LentV1 p23">{{harvnb|Lenton|1970|page=23}}</ref> The ship carried {{convert|368|LT|t}} of oil giving a range of {{convert|3500|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|15|kn}}.<ref name="preston p102,5,7"/>
''Westcott'' was {{convert|312|ft|m|1}} [[length overall|long overall]] and {{convert|300|ft|m|1}} [[length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]], with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|26|ft|6|in|m}} and a [[Draft (ship)|draught]] of between {{convert|10|ft|9|in|m}} and {{convert|11|ft|11+1/2|in|m|2}} depending on load. [[Displacement (ship)|Displacement]] was {{convert|1100|LT|t|lk=in}} standard,<ref name="preston p102,5,7">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|pages=102, 105, 107}}</ref> and up to {{convert|1490|LT|t}} deep load.<ref name="conways06 p83-4">{{harvnb|Gardiner|Gray|1985|pages=83–84}}</ref> Three oil-fed [[Yarrow boiler]]s raising steam at {{convert|250|psi}} fed Brown-Curtis geared [[steam turbines]] which developed {{convert|27,000|shp|kW}}, driving two screws for a maximum designed speed of {{convert|34|kn|lk=in}}.<ref name="preston p102,5,7"/><ref name="LentV1 p23">{{harvnb|Lenton|1970|page=23}}</ref> The ship carried {{convert|368|LT|t}} of oil giving a range of {{convert|3500|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|15|kn}}.<ref name="preston p102,5,7"/>


''Westcott''{{'}}s main gun armament consisted of four [[QF 4 inch Mk V naval gun|4-inch Mk V QF guns]] in four single mounts on the ship's centerline. These were disposed as two forward and two aft in superimposed firing positions. A single [[QF 3-inch 20 cwt|QF 3-inch (76 mm) 20 cwt]]{{#tag:ref|"Cwt" is the abbreviation for [[hundredweight]], 20 cwt referring to the weight of the gun.|group=lower-alpha}} anti-aircraft gun was mounted aft of the second funnel. Aft of the 3-inch gun, she carried six 21-inch torpedo tubes mounted in two triple mounts on the center-line.<ref name="preston p102,5,7"/><ref name="conways06 p83-4"/>
''Westcott''{{'}}s main gun armament consisted of four [[QF 4 inch Mk V naval gun|4-inch Mk V QF guns]] in four single mounts on the ship's centerline. These were disposed as two forward and two aft in superimposed firing positions. A single [[QF 3-inch 20 cwt|QF 3-inch (76 mm) 20 cwt]]{{#tag:ref|"Cwt" is the abbreviation for [[hundredweight]], 20 cwt referring to the weight of the gun.|group=lower-alpha}} anti-aircraft gun was mounted aft of the second funnel. Aft of the 3-inch gun, she carried six 21-inch torpedo tubes mounted in two triple mounts on the center-line.<ref name="preston p102,5,7"/><ref name="conways06 p83-4"/>


''Westcott'' was [[Keel laying|laid down]] at Denny's [[Dumbarton]], Scotland shipyard on 30 March 1917, and was launched on 14 February 1918.<ref name="Fried p312-3"/> She was commissioned on 2 April<ref>{{cite journal|title=940b: Westcott (Dev)|journal=The Navy List|date=December 1920|page=899|url=http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=94470308|accessdate=19 April 2015}}</ref> and completed on 12 April.<ref name="Fried p312-3"/> She was named after Captain [[George Blagdon Westcott]], who was killed at the [[Battle of the Nile]].<ref>{{harvnb|Thomas|1987|page=209}}</ref>
''Westcott'' was [[Keel laying|laid down]] at Denny's [[Dumbarton]], Scotland shipyard on 30 March 1917, and was launched on 14 February 1918.<ref name="Fried p312-3"/> She was commissioned on 2 April<ref>{{cite journal|title=940b: Westcott (Dev)|journal=The Navy List|date=December 1920|page=899|url=http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=94470308|access-date=19 April 2015}}</ref> and completed on 12 April.<ref name="Fried p312-3"/> She was named after Captain [[George Blagdon Westcott]], who was killed at the [[Battle of the Nile]].<ref>{{harvnb|Thomas|1987|page=209}}</ref>


==Service==
==Service==
On commissioning, ''Westcott'' joined the 13th Destroyer Flotilla of the [[Grand Fleet]], based at [[Rosyth]] in support of the Battlecruiser Force,<ref name="Preston p24">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|page=24}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—The Grand Fleet: Destroyer Flotillas of the Grand Fleet|journal=The Navy List|date=May 1918|page=12|url= http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=92263910|accessdate=19 April 2014}}</ref> remaining there for the remainder of the war.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—The Grand Fleet: Destroyer Flotillas of the Grand Fleet|journal=The Navy List|date=December 1918|page=12|url= http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=92315614|accessdate=19 April 2014}}</ref> In 1919, the Grand Fleet was disbanded, and the [[Atlantic Fleet (United Kingdom)|Atlantic Fleet]] took its place, supported by four destroyer flotillas. ''Westcott'' joined the Second Destroyer Flotilla, based at Rosyth.<ref name="Preston p35">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|page=35}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—Atlantic Fleet: Destroyers|journal=The Navy List|date=July 1919|page=11|url= http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=92499782|accessdate=19 April 2014}}</ref> In August 1919, the Second Destroyer Flotilla, including ''Westcott'', was deployed to the [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] as part of the [[British campaign in the Baltic (1918–19)|British intervention]] in the [[Russian Civil War]], relieving the First Destroyer Flotilla. The Second Flotilla remained in the Baltic until December 1919.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Baltic">{{harvnb|Bennett|2002|pages=149, 198|}}</ref> In February 1920, ''Westcott'' was deployed to the Mediterranean, shelling Turkish forces during the [[Greco-Turkish War (1919–22)|Greco-Turkish War]], before returning to Britain in August.<ref name=NHRN/>
On commissioning, ''Westcott'' joined the [[13th Destroyer Flotilla]] of the [[Grand Fleet]], based at [[Rosyth]] in support of the Battlecruiser Force,<ref name="Preston p24">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|page=24}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—The Grand Fleet: Destroyer Flotillas of the Grand Fleet|journal=The Navy List|date=May 1918|page=12|url= http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=92263910|access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref> remaining there for the remainder of the war.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—The Grand Fleet: Destroyer Flotillas of the Grand Fleet|journal=The Navy List|date=December 1918|page=12|url= http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=92315614|access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref> In 1919, the Grand Fleet was disbanded, and the [[Atlantic Fleet (United Kingdom)|Atlantic Fleet]] took its place, supported by four destroyer flotillas. ''Westcott'' joined the [[Second Destroyer Flotilla]], based at Rosyth.<ref name="Preston p35">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|page=35}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—Atlantic Fleet: Destroyers|journal=The Navy List|date=July 1919|page=11|url= http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=92499782|access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref> In August 1919, the Second Destroyer Flotilla, including ''Westcott'', was deployed to the [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] as part of the [[British campaign in the Baltic (1918–19)|British intervention]] in the [[Russian Civil War]], relieving the [[First Destroyer Flotilla]]. The Second Flotilla remained in the Baltic until December 1919.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Baltic">{{harvnb|Bennett|2002|pages=149, 198|}}</ref> In February 1920, ''Westcott'' was deployed to the Mediterranean, shelling Turkish forces during the [[Greco-Turkish War (1919–22)|Greco-Turkish War]], before returning to Britain in August.<ref name=NHRN/>

In 1921, as large flotillas of sixteen destroyers had proved difficult to control, it was decided to reorganise the destroyers of the Atlantic Fleet, changing to six flotillas each comprising a [[Flotilla leader]] and eight destroyers. ''Westcott'' was assigned to the Sixth Flotilla.<ref name="Manning p28">{{harvnb|Manning|1961|page=28}}</ref><ref name="Preston p35-6">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|pages=35–36}}</ref> ''Westcott'' was refitted at [[Sheerness Dockyard|Sheerness]] from July 1930 to March 1931, having her boilers retubed.<ref name="engp94">{{harvnb|English|2019|p=94}}</ref> At some stage prior to 1931, the 3-inch gun was replaced by a [[QF 2-pounder naval gun|2-pounder "pom-pom"]].<ref name="Preston p37">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|page=37}}</ref> On 4 January 1933, she stood by the French [[Ocean liner]] {{ship|SS|L'Atlantique||2}} after the liner caught fire in the [[English Channel]] and was abandoned by her crew.<ref name="engp94"/> ''Wescott'' remained with the Atlantic Fleet (and after 1932 the [[Home Fleet]]) until April 1935 when she was reduced to reserve at [[HMNB Devonport|Devonport]].<ref name="engp94"/>


In 1921, as large flotillas of sixteen destroyers had proved difficult to control, it was decided to reorganise the destroyers of the Atlantic Fleet, changing to six flotillas each comprising a [[Flotilla leader]] and eight destroyers. ''Westcott'' was assigned to the Sixth Flotilla.<ref name="Manning p28">{{harvnb|Manning|1961|page=28}}</ref><ref name="Preston p35-6">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|pages=35–36}}</ref> At some stage prior to 1931, the 3-inch gun was replaced by a [[QF 2-pounder naval gun|2-pounder "pom-pom"]].<ref name="Preston p37">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|page=37}}</ref> ''Wescott'' remained with the Atlantic Fleet (and after 1932 the [[Home Fleet]]) until 1935 when she was refitted in preparation for duty with the Fourth Submarine Flotilla based on the [[China Station]]. One 4-inch gun and the aft set of torpedo tubes was replaced by a crane for retrieval of practice torpedoes fired by the submarines of her flotilla, and [[sonar]] was fitted.<ref name=NHRN/> On 18 March 1936, ''Westcott'' suffered an accidental explosion when on exercise in the Mediterranean. One man was killed, with a further 10 injured.<ref>{{cite news|title=Explosion at Sea: Able Seaman Killed|journal=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]]|location=Hobart, Australia|date=20 March 1936|page=9|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25222523}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://naval-history.net/xDKCas1936.htm|last=Kindell|first=Don|title=1918-1939 - Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies |publisher=naval-history.net|accessdate=19 April 2015}}</ref>
She returned to active service with the 21st Destroyer Flotilla in September 1935 as a result of the [[Abyssinia Crisis]].<ref name="engp94"/> On 18 March 1936, ''Westcott'' suffered an accidental explosion when on exercise in the Mediterranean. One man was killed, with a further 10 injured.<ref>{{cite news|title=Explosion at Sea: Able Seaman Killed|journal=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]]|location=Hobart, Australia|date=20 March 1936|page=9|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25222523}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://naval-history.net/xDKCas1936.htm|last=Kindell|first=Don|title=1918–1939 – Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies |publisher=naval-history.net|access-date=19 April 2015}}</ref> In April 1936 she returned to reserve at Devonport.<ref name="engp94"/> ''Westcott'' was then refitted in preparation for duty with the Fourth Submarine Flotilla based on the [[China Station]]. One 4-inch gun and the aft set of torpedo tubes was replaced by a crane for retrieval of practice torpedoes fired by the submarines of her flotilla, and [[sonar]] was fitted.<ref name=NHRN/>


===Second World War===
===Second World War===
On the outbreak of the Second World War, ''Westcott'' was still allocated to the Fourth Submarine Flotilla, and was having her armament restored to suit her for full operational service.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Preston p59">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|page=59}}</ref> In January 1940, ''Westcott'' was assigned to the Mediterranean Fleet, reaching [[Malta]] on 14 February. In April 1940, she was recalled to British waters, reaching [[HMNB Devonport|Devonport]] on 19 April.<ref name=NHRN/> She was then assigned to operations off Norway as a response to the [[Norwegian Campaign|German invasion]], taking part in the evacuation of British troops from [[Åndalsnes]] on the night of 30 April/1 May, and continuing to operate off Norway for the rest of the month.<ref name=NHRN/><ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=18}}</ref> In early June 1940 ''Westcott'' took part in the escort of a convoy (including the liners {{RMS|Empress of Britain|1930|2}}, {{RMS|Aquitania||2}}, {{RMS| Mauretania|1938|2}}, {{RMS|Queen Mary||2}} and {{RMS|Empress of Canada|1928|2}}) carrying Australian troops to the United Kingdom, on the leg from [[Gibraltar]] to Britain.<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=19}}</ref> ''Westcott'' then took part in [[Operation Ariel]], the evacuation from ports in Western France of Allied troops who had remained in France following the [[Dunkirk evacuation|evacuations from Dunkirk]] and [[Operation Cycle|Le Havre]]. ''Westcott'' was sent to [[Brest, France|Brest]], but collided with the coaster ''Nyroca'' on 17 June, with both ships returning to the United Kingdom empty.<ref>{{harvnb|Winser|1999|pages=40, 147, 149}}</ref>
On the outbreak of the Second World War, ''Westcott'' was still allocated to the Fourth Submarine Flotilla, and was having her armament restored to suit her for full operational service.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Preston p59">{{harvnb|Preston|1971|page=59}}</ref> In January 1940, ''Westcott'' was assigned to the Mediterranean Fleet, reaching [[Malta]] on 14 February. In April 1940, she was recalled to British waters, reaching [[HMNB Devonport|Devonport]] on 19 April.<ref name=NHRN/> She was then assigned to operations off Norway as a response to the [[Norwegian Campaign|German invasion]], taking part in the evacuation of British troops from [[Åndalsnes]] on the night of 30 April/1 May, and continuing to operate off Norway for the rest of the month.<ref name=NHRN/><ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=18}}</ref> In early June 1940 ''Westcott'' took part in the escort of a convoy (including the liners {{RMS|Empress of Britain|1930|2}}, {{RMS|Aquitania||2}}, {{RMS| Mauretania|1938|2}}, {{RMS|Queen Mary||2}} and {{RMS|Empress of Canada|1928|2}}) carrying Australian troops to the United Kingdom, on the leg from [[Gibraltar]] to Britain.<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=19}}</ref> ''Westcott'' then took part in [[Operation Aerial]], the evacuation from ports in Western France of Allied troops who had remained in France following the [[Dunkirk evacuation|evacuations from Dunkirk]] and [[Operation Cycle|Le Havre]]. ''Westcott'' was sent to [[Brest, France|Brest]], but collided with the coaster ''Nyroca'' on 17 June, with both ships returning to the United Kingdom empty.<ref>{{harvnb|Winser|1999|pages=40, 147, 149}}</ref>


On 4 July, ''Westcott'' joined the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, based at Devonport for escort duties in the North Atlantic. On 5 July, the destroyer {{HMS|Whirlwind|D30|2}} was detached from Convoy OB178 to investigate a possible submarine sighting. While hunting the submarine, {{GS|U-34|1936|2}}, ''Whirlwind'' was torpedoed, blowing off the destroyer's bow. ''Westcott'' went to the aid of ''Whirlwind'', rescuing the survivors of her crew and [[scuttling]] the stricken destroyer with torpedoes when it was realized that it would not stay afloat until rescue tugs would arrive.<ref>{{harvnb|Morgan|Taylor|2011|pages=49–52}}</ref> 57 of ''Whirlwind''{{'}}s crew were killed.<ref name=NHRN/> On 2 September 1940, ''Westcott'', with the destroyer {{HMCS|Skeena|D59|6}}, the sloops {{HMS|Lowestoft|U59|2}} and {{HMS|Scarborough|L25|2}} and the corvette {{HMS|Periwinkle|K55|2}}, joined inbound Atlantic convoy SC.2 as escort. Over the next few days, the convoy was subject to a series of attacks by German [[U-boat]]s which sank five of the 53 merchant ships of the convoy (four of them by {{GS|U-47|1938|2}}, commanded by [[Günther Prien]]). This was the first successful [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|Wolfpack]] attack of the Second World War.<ref name="Rohwer p33">{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|p=33}}</ref><ref name="Blairv1 p182-3">{{harvnb|Blair|2000a|pp=182–183}}</ref>
On 4 July, ''Westcott'' joined the [[4th Destroyer Flotilla]], based at Devonport for escort duties in the North Atlantic. On 5 July, the destroyer {{HMS|Whirlwind|D30|2}} was detached from Convoy OB178 to investigate a possible submarine sighting. While hunting the submarine, {{GS|U-34|1936|2}}, ''Whirlwind'' was torpedoed, blowing off the destroyer's bow. ''Westcott'' went to the aid of ''Whirlwind'', rescuing the survivors of her crew and [[scuttling]] the stricken destroyer with torpedoes when it was realized that it would not stay afloat until rescue tugs would arrive.<ref>{{harvnb|Morgan|Taylor|2011|pages=49–52}}</ref> 57 of ''Whirlwind''{{'}}s crew were killed.<ref name=NHRN/> On 2 September 1940, ''Westcott'', with the destroyer {{HMCS|Skeena|D59|6}}, the sloops {{HMS|Lowestoft|U59|2}} and {{HMS|Scarborough|L25|2}} and the corvette {{HMS|Periwinkle|K55|2}}, joined inbound Atlantic convoy SC.2 as escort. Over the next few days, the convoy was subject to a series of attacks by German [[U-boat]]s which sank five of the 53 merchant ships of the convoy (four of them by {{GS|U-47|1938|2}}, commanded by [[Günther Prien]]). This was the first successful [[Wolfpack (naval tactic)|Wolfpack]] attack of the Second World War.<ref name="Rohwer p33">{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|p=33}}</ref><ref name="Blairv1 p182-3">{{harvnb|Blair|2000a|pp=182–183}}</ref>


[[File:Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar.jpg|thumb|left|<center>The [[Hedgehog (weapon)|Hedgehog]] [[anti-submarine]] [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]] aboard ''Westcott'', 28 November 1945. ''Westcott'' had operated the device since 1941.</center>]]
[[File:Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar.jpg|thumb|left|{{center|The [[Hedgehog (weapon)|Hedgehog]] [[anti-submarine]] [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]] aboard ''Westcott'', 28 November 1945. ''Westcott'' had operated the device since 1941.}}]]
In November 1940, ''Westcott'' transferred to the 5th Escort Group, based at [[Liverpool]].<ref name=NHRN/> On 16 January 1941, along with the Royal Navy tugs HMS ''Superman'' and HMS ''Tenacity'', she rescued 143 survivors from {{SS|Oropesa}}, which {{GS|U-96|1940|6}} had torpedoed and sunk in the [[Western Approaches]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://uboat.net/allies/merchants/738.html |title=Oropesa |last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur |date=1995–2013 |work=Ships hit by U-boats |publisher=uboat.net|accessdate=15 December 2013}}</ref> On 28 January, ''Westcott'' collided with the corvette {{HMS|Bluebell|K80|2}}, and after repair at Liverpool, which was slowed by [[Liverpool Blitz|German air raids]], joined the 7th Escort Group, also based at Liverpool.<ref name=NHRN/> ''Westcott'' was fitted with a prototype [[Hedgehog (weapon)|Hedgehog]] anti-submarine mortar, which replaced the forward 4-inch gun, in August 1941.<ref name=NHRN/> As a test platform, ''Westcott'' became the first vessel to be equipped with Hedgehog.<ref>{{harvnb|Ireland|2003|page=97}}</ref> She remained part of the 7th Escort Group at the start of October 1941,<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=89}}</ref> and transferred to the Gibraltar Escort Group in December 1941.<ref name=NHRN/>
In November 1940, ''Westcott'' transferred to the [[Escort Group#5th Escort Group|5th Escort Group]], based at [[Liverpool]].<ref name=NHRN/> On 16 January 1941, along with the Royal Navy tugs HMS ''Superman'' and HMS ''Tenacity'', she rescued 143 survivors from {{SS|Oropesa|1919|6}}, which {{GS|U-96|1940|6}} had torpedoed and sunk in the [[Western Approaches]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://uboat.net/allies/merchants/738.html |title=Oropesa |last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur |date=1995–2013 |work=Ships hit by U-boats |publisher=uboat.net|access-date=15 December 2013}}</ref> On 28 January, ''Westcott'' collided with the corvette {{HMS|Bluebell|K80|2}}, and after repair at Liverpool, which was slowed by [[Liverpool Blitz|German air raids]], joined the [[Escort Group#7th Escort Group|7th Escort Group]], also based at Liverpool.<ref name=NHRN/> ''Westcott'' was fitted with a prototype [[Hedgehog (weapon)|Hedgehog]] anti-submarine mortar, which replaced the forward 4-inch gun, in August 1941.<ref name=NHRN/> As a test platform, ''Westcott'' became the first vessel to be equipped with Hedgehog.<ref>{{harvnb|Ireland|2003|page=97}}</ref> She remained part of the 7th Escort Group at the start of October 1941,<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=89}}</ref> and transferred to the Gibraltar Escort Group in December 1941, having her boiler tubes repaired from 24 December 1941 to 14 January 1942.<ref name="engp94"/>


On 16 January 1942, the troopship {{ship|MV|Llangibby Castle||6}} was torpedoed and damaged by the German U-boat {{GS|U-402||2}}, but managed to reach [[Horta (Azores)|Horta]] in the [[Azores]].<ref>{{harvnb|Blair|2000a|pages=489–490}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur |title=Llangibby Castle|work=Ships hit by U-Boats|publisher=U-boat.net|url=http://uboat.net/allies/merchants/ships/1254.html|accessdate=24 April 2015}}</ref> After limited repairs, ''Llangibby Castle'' left Horta for Gibraltar on the night of 1/2 February, with three destroyers of the Gibraltar Escort group, ''Westcott'', {{HMS|Croome|L62|2}} and {{HMS|Exmoor|L61|2}} allocated as escorts. ''Westcott'' and ''Croome'' patrolled off the south exit from Horta harbour while ''Exmoor'' escorted ''Llangibby Castle'' through the North exit. The {{GS|U-581||}} was waiting off the south exit and attempted to torpedo the two destroyers, but a technical fault forced the submarine to the surface, when ''U-581'' attempted to flee to neutral Portuguese waters. An initial attempt by ''Westcott'' to ram the submarine failed, but resulted in ''Westcott'' dropping a pattern of shallow-set [[depth charge]]s all around ''U-581''. ''Westcott'' came around for a second ramming attempt, which was successful, sinking the submarine, with 40 of ''U-581''{{'}}s crew being picked up by ''Westcott'' and ''Croome'', with one swimming to shore and four killed.<ref>{{harvnb|Blair|2000a|pages=491–492}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur|title=U-581|publisher=U-boat.net|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u581.htm|accessdate=24 April 2015}}</ref>
On 16 January 1942, the troopship {{ship|MV|Llangibby Castle||6}} was torpedoed and damaged by the German U-boat {{GS|U-402||2}}, but managed to reach [[Horta (Azores)|Horta]] in the [[Azores]].<ref>{{harvnb|Blair|2000a|pages=489–490}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur |title=Llangibby Castle|work=Ships hit by U-Boats|publisher=U-boat.net|url=http://uboat.net/allies/merchants/ships/1254.html|access-date=24 April 2015}}</ref> After limited repairs, ''Llangibby Castle'' left Horta for Gibraltar on the night of 1/2 February, with three destroyers of the Gibraltar Escort group, ''Westcott'', {{HMS|Croome|L62|2}} and {{HMS|Exmoor|L61|2}} allocated as escorts. ''Westcott'' and ''Croome'' patrolled off the south exit from Horta harbour while ''Exmoor'' escorted ''Llangibby Castle'' through the North exit. The {{GS|U-581||}} was waiting off the south exit and attempted to torpedo the two destroyers, but a technical fault forced the submarine to the surface, when ''U-581'' attempted to flee to neutral Portuguese waters. An initial attempt by ''Westcott'' to ram the submarine failed, but resulted in ''Westcott'' dropping a pattern of shallow-set [[depth charge]]s all around ''U-581''. ''Westcott'' came around for a second ramming attempt, which was successful, sinking the submarine, with 40 of ''U-581''{{'}}s crew being picked up by ''Westcott'' and ''Croome'', with one swimming to shore and four killed.<ref>{{harvnb|Blair|2000a|pages=491–492}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur|title=U-581|publisher=U-boat.net|url=http://uboat.net/boats/u581.htm|access-date=24 April 2015}}</ref>


On 19 April, ''Westcott'' formed part of the escort for the American aircraft carrier {{USS|Wasp|CV-7|2}} during [[Operation Calendar]], an attempt to deliver vitally needed [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire]] fighters to Malta. 47 Spitfires were flown off ''Wasp'' on 20 April, with 46 reaching Malta.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Barnett p504">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|page=504}}</ref> The Spitfires were quickly lost, however, and as a result another attempt was made to reinforce Malta's air defences, [[Operation Bowery]]. This time, ''Wasp'' was joined by the British carrier {{HMS|Eagle|1918|2}}, with ''Westcott'' again part of the escort for the combined carrier force which met up off Gibraltar on the night of 7/8 May 1942, and flew off 64 Spitfires on 9 May, with 61 reaching Malta, managing to shore up the battered island's air defences.<ref name="Barnett p504-5">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|pages=504–505}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=138}}</ref> ''Westcott'' formed part of the escort for the carriers ''Eagle'' and {{HMS|Argus|I49|2}} when they flew off 17 Spitfires on 18 May in Operation ''LB'',<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=140}}</ref> and for two more delivery runs by ''Eagle'' on 3 June and 9 June.<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|pages=143–144}}</ref>
On 19 April, ''Westcott'' formed part of the escort for the American aircraft carrier {{USS|Wasp|CV-7|2}} during [[Operation Calendar]], an attempt to deliver vitally needed [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire]] fighters to Malta. 47 Spitfires were flown off ''Wasp'' on 20 April, with 46 reaching Malta.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Barnett p504">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|page=504}}</ref> The Spitfires were quickly lost, however, and as a result another attempt was made to reinforce Malta's air defences, [[Operation Bowery]]. This time, ''Wasp'' was joined by the British carrier {{HMS|Eagle|1918|2}}, with ''Westcott'' again part of the escort for the combined carrier force which met up off Gibraltar on the night of 7/8 May 1942, and flew off 64 Spitfires on 9 May, with 61 reaching Malta, managing to shore up the battered island's air defences.<ref name="Barnett p504-5">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|pages=504–505}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=138}}</ref> ''Westcott'' formed part of the escort for the carriers ''Eagle'' and {{HMS|Argus|I49|2}} when they flew off 17 Spitfires on 18 May in Operation LB,<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=140}}</ref> and for two more delivery runs by ''Eagle'' on 3 June and 9 June.<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|pages=143–144}}</ref>


On 11 June, ''Westcott'' joined the escort of a large supply convoy to Malta from the west, [[Operation Harpoon (1942)|Operation ''Harpoon'']], with a second convoy, [[Operation Vigorous|Operation ''Vigorous'']] sailing simultaneously to Malta from [[Alexandria]] in Egypt. Both convoys came under heavy air attack, and on 14 June, the cruiser {{HMS|Liverpool|C11|2}} was damaged by a torpedo dropped by an Italian aircraft. ''Westcott'' and the destroyer {{HMS|Antelope|H36|2}} were detached from the convoy to escort ''Liverpool'' back to Gibraltar, with ''Antelope'' taking ''Liverpool'' under tow. The three ships came under continued Italian torpedo-bomber attacks after they had left the convoy, and on 16 April, ''Westcott'' was hit by anti-aircraft fire from ''Liverpool'', killing three of her crew. The three ships made Gibraltar on 17 June. Two of the six merchant ships in the convoy managed to reach Malta, with two destroyers being sunk as well as four merchant ships. The parallel Operation ''Vigorous'' was a failure, being forced to turn back by the weight of Axis attacks.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Barnett p505-15">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|pages=505–515}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|pages=145–146}}</ref> ''Westcott'' took part in two more Spitfire delivery runs by ''Eagle'' in July.<ref name=NHRN/>
On 11 June, ''Westcott'' joined the escort of a large supply convoy to Malta from the west, [[Operation Harpoon (1942)|Operation Harpoon]], with a second convoy, [[Operation Vigorous]] sailing simultaneously to Malta from [[Alexandria]] in Egypt. Both convoys came under heavy air attack, and on 14 June, the cruiser {{HMS|Liverpool|C11|2}} was damaged by a torpedo dropped by an Italian aircraft. ''Westcott'' and the destroyer {{HMS|Antelope|H36|2}} were detached from the convoy to escort ''Liverpool'' back to Gibraltar, with ''Antelope'' taking ''Liverpool'' under tow. The three ships came under continued Italian torpedo-bomber attacks after they had left the convoy, and on 16 April, ''Westcott'' was hit by anti-aircraft fire from ''Liverpool'', killing three of her crew. The three ships made Gibraltar on 17 June. Two of the six merchant ships in the convoy managed to reach Malta, with two destroyers being sunk as well as four merchant ships. The parallel Operation Vigorous was a failure, being forced to turn back by the weight of Axis attacks.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Barnett p505-15">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|pages=505–515}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|pages=145–146}}</ref> ''Westcott'' took part in two more Spitfire delivery runs by ''Eagle'' in July.<ref name=NHRN/>


Malta was still short of supplies, and in August, another major convoy was run from Gibraltar, [[Operation Pedestal|Operation ''Pedestal'']]. The convoy left Gibraltar on 10 August, with ''Westcott'' part of the covering force of, including three aircraft carriers and two battleships, which was to escort the convoy to the [[Skerki Banks|Skerki Channel]] off Tunisia, leaving the remainder of the journey to a close escort of cruisers and destroyers. By the time the covering force, including ''Westcott'', turned back on the evening of 12 August, the carrier ''Eagle'' had been sunk by a German submarine, and the carriers {{HMS|Indomitable|92|2}} and {{HMS|Victorious|R38|2}} damaged by bombers.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Barnett p517-2">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|pages=517–522}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=155}}</ref> Five merchant ships out of fourteen, including the vital tanker {{Ship|SS|Ohio}}, finally made Malta by 15 August.<ref name="Barnett p523-4">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|pages=523–524}}</ref>
Malta was still short of supplies, and in August, another major convoy was run from Gibraltar, [[Operation Pedestal]]. The convoy left Gibraltar on 10 August, with ''Westcott'' part of the covering force of, including three aircraft carriers and two battleships, which was to escort the convoy to the [[Skerki Banks|Skerki Channel]] off Tunisia, leaving the remainder of the journey to a close escort of cruisers and destroyers. By the time the covering force, including ''Westcott'', turned back on the evening of 12 August, the carrier ''Eagle'' had been sunk by a German submarine, and the carriers {{HMS|Indomitable|92|2}} and {{HMS|Victorious|R38|2}} damaged by bombers.<ref name=NHRN/><ref name="Barnett p517-2">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|pages=517–522}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=155}}</ref> Five merchant ships out of fourteen, including the vital tanker {{Ship|SS|Ohio}}, finally made Malta by 15 August.<ref name="Barnett p523-4">{{harvnb|Barnett|2000|pages=523–524}}</ref>


In October 1942, ''Westcott'' escorted {{HMS|Furious|47|2}} on another fighter delivery mission.<ref name=NHRN/> In November 1942, the Allies launched [[Operation Torch]] the Anglo-American invasion of [[French North Africa]]. ''Westcott'' formed part of the Centre Task Force, covering the landings at [[Oran]] in [[Algeria]] on 8 November. When the [[Vichy France|Vichy French]] submarines {{Ship|French submarine|Actéon|Q149|2}} and {{Ship|French submarine|Argonaute|1929|2}} attempted to attack the Allied fleet, they were sunk by ''Westcott'' and {{HMS|Achates|H12|2}}.<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=175}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Sources differ as to which destroyer sank which submarine. Blair<ref name="Blairv2 p92">{{harvnb|Blair|2000b|page=92}}</ref> says that ''Westcott'' sank ''Argonaute'' and ''Achates'' sank ''Actéon'', while U-boat.net says that ''Westcott'' sank ''Actéon''<ref>{{cite web|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur|title=FR Actéon|work=Allied Warships|publisher=U-boat.net|url=http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/6149.html|accessdate=24 April 2015}}</ref> while ''Argonaute'' was sunk by both destroyers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur|title=FR Argonaute|work=Allied Warships|publisher=U-boat.net|url=http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/6115.html|accessdate=24 April 2015}}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}} After ''Torch'', ''Westcott'' returned to the United Kingdom.<ref name=NHRN/>
In October 1942, ''Westcott'' escorted {{HMS|Furious|47|2}} on another fighter delivery mission.<ref name=NHRN/> In November 1942, the Allies launched [[Operation Torch]] the Anglo-American invasion of [[French North Africa]]. ''Westcott'' formed part of the Centre Task Force, covering the landings at [[Oran]] in [[Algeria]] on 8 November. When the [[Vichy France|Vichy French]] submarines {{Ship|French submarine|Actéon|Q149|2}} and {{ship|French submarine|Argonaute|NN6|2}} attempted to attack the Allied fleet, they were sunk by ''Westcott'' and {{HMS|Achates|H12|2}}.<ref>{{harvnb|Rohwer|Hümmelchen|1992|page=175}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Sources differ as to which destroyer sank which submarine. Blair<ref name="Blairv2 p92">{{harvnb|Blair|2000b|page=92}}</ref> says that ''Westcott'' sank ''Argonaute'' and ''Achates'' sank ''Actéon'', while U-boat.net says that ''Westcott'' sank ''Actéon''<ref>{{cite web|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur|title=FR Actéon|work=Allied Warships|publisher=U-boat.net|url=http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/6149.html|access-date=24 April 2015}}</ref> while ''Argonaute'' was sunk by both destroyers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Helgason |first=Guðmundur|title=FR Argonaute|work=Allied Warships|publisher=U-boat.net|url=http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/6115.html|access-date=24 April 2015}}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}} After Operation Torch, ''Westcott'' returned to the United Kingdom.<ref name=NHRN/>


Following her return from the Mediterranean, ''Westcott'' was converted at [[HMNB Portsmouth|Portsmouth Naval Dockyard]] to long-range escort configuration.<ref name=NHRN/> This involved removing one boiler and its associated funnel, allowing additional oil bunkers to be fitted, extending the ship's range by as much as {{convert|600|nmi}}.<ref name="Fried p247">{{harvnb|Friedman|2009|page=247}}</ref><ref name="atlan p19">{{harvnb|Brown|2007|page=19}}</ref>
Following her return from the Mediterranean, ''Westcott'' was converted at [[HMNB Portsmouth|Portsmouth Naval Dockyard]] to long-range escort configuration.<ref name=NHRN/> This involved removing one boiler and its associated funnel, allowing additional oil bunkers to be fitted, extending the ship's range by as much as {{convert|600|nmi}}.<ref name="Fried p247">{{harvnb|Friedman|2009|page=247}}</ref><ref name="atlan p19">{{harvnb|Brown|2007|page=19}}</ref>
Line 94: Line 98:


==Sources==
==Sources==
*{{cite book|last=Barnett|first=Correlli|title=Engage The Enemy More Closely|year=2000|publisher=Penguin|location=London|isbn=0-141-39008-5|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Barnett|first=Correlli|title=Engage The Enemy More Closely|year=2000|publisher=Penguin|location=London|isbn=0-141-39008-5}}
* {{cite book|last=Bennett|first=Geoffrey|title=Freeing the Baltic|year=2002|publisher=Birlinn|location=Edinburgh|isbn=1-84341-001-X|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Bennett|first=Geoffrey|title=Freeing the Baltic|year=2002|publisher=Birlinn|location=Edinburgh|isbn=1-84341-001-X}}
* {{cite book|last=Blair|first=Clay|title=Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunters 1939–1942|year=2000a|publisher=Cassell & Co|location=London|isbn=0-304-35260-8|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Blair|first=Clay|title=Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunters 1939–1942|year=2000a|publisher=Cassell & Co|location=London|isbn=0-304-35260-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Blair|first=Clay|title=Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunted, 1942–1945|year=2000b|publisher=Modern Library|location=New York|isbn=0-679-64033-9|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Blair|first=Clay|title=Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunted, 1942–1945|year=2000b|publisher=Modern Library|location=New York|isbn=0-679-64033-9}}
*{{cite book|last=Brown|first=D. K.|title=Atlantic Escorts: Ships, Weapons & Tactics in World War II|year=2007|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|location=Barnsley, UK|isbn=978-1-84415-702-0|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Brown|first=D. K.|title=Atlantic Escorts: Ships, Weapons & Tactics in World War II|year=2007|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|location=Barnsley, UK|isbn=978-1-84415-702-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Friedman|first=Norman|title=British Destroyers: From Earliest Days to the First World War|year=2009|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|location=Barnsley, UK|isbn=978-1-84832-049-9|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |last=English |first=John |title=Grand Fleet Destroyers: Part I: Flotilla Leaders and 'V/W' Class Destroyers |year=2019 |location=Windsor, UK |publisher=World Ship Society |isbn=((978-0-9650769-8-4))}}
*{{cite book |editor-last1=Gardiner |editor-first1=Robert |editor-last2=Gray |editor-first2=Randal |year=1985 |title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships, 1906–1921 |location= |publisher=Conway |isbn=0-85177-245-5 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Friedman|first=Norman|title=British Destroyers: From Earliest Days to the First World War|year=2009|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|location=Barnsley, UK|isbn=978-1-84832-049-9}}
* {{cite book |editor-last1=Gardiner |editor-first1=Robert |editor-last2=Gray |editor-first2=Randal |year=1985 |title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921 |publisher=Conway |isbn=0-85177-245-5 }}
⚫
*{{cite book |last=Ireland |first=Bernard |year=2003 |title=Battle of the Atlantic |location= |publisher=[[Pen and Sword Books|Leo Cooper]] |isbn=1844150011 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Lenton|first=H. T.|title=British Fleet and Escort Destroyers: Volume One|year=1970|publisher=Macdonald & Co.|location=London|isbn=0-356-02950-6|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |last=Ireland |first=Bernard |year=2003 |title=Battle of the Atlantic |publisher=[[Pen and Sword Books|Leo Cooper]] |isbn=1844150011 }}
*{{cite book |last=Preston |first=Antony |year=1971 |title='V & W' Class Destroyers 1917-1945 |location=London |publisher=Macdonald |oclc=464542895 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Lenton|first=H. T.|title=British Fleet and Escort Destroyers: Volume One|year=1970|publisher=Macdonald & Co.|location=London|isbn=0-356-02950-6}}
*{{cite book| last=Manning| first=T.D.|title=The British Destroyer|publisher=Putnam and Co.|date=1961|location=London|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |last=Preston |first=Antony |year=1971 |title='V & W' Class Destroyers 1917–1945 |location=London |publisher=Macdonald |oclc=464542895 }}
* {{cite book| last=Manning| first=T.D.|title=The British Destroyer|publisher=Putnam and Co.|date=1961|location=London}}
*{{cite book|last1=Morgan|first1=Daniel|last2=Taylor|first2=Bruce|title=U-boat Attack Logs: A Complete Record of Warship Sinkings from Original Sources 1939-1945|year=2011|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|location=Barnsley, UK|isbn=978-1-84832-118-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PB_OAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA52&dq=HMS+Westcott&num=4&client=internal-uds&cd=3&source=uds&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=HMS%20Westcott&f=false}}
*{{cite book |last1=Raven |first1=Alan |last2=Roberts |first2=John |year=1979 |title='V' and 'W' Class Destroyers |location=London |publisher=Arms & Armour |series=Man o' War |volume=2 |isbn=0-85368-233-X |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last1=Morgan|first1=Daniel|last2=Taylor|first2=Bruce|title=U-boat Attack Logs: A Complete Record of Warship Sinkings from Original Sources 1939–1945|year=2011|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|location=Barnsley, UK|isbn=978-1-84832-118-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PB_OAwAAQBAJ&q=HMS+Westcott&pg=PA52}}
* {{cite book|last1=Rohwer|first1=Jürgen|last2=Hümmelchen|first2=Gerhard|title=Chronology of the War at Sea 1939–1945|year=1992|publisher=Greenhill Books|location=London|isbn=1-85367-117-7|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |last1=Raven |first1=Alan |last2=Roberts |first2=John |year=1979 |title='V' and 'W' Class Destroyers |location=London |publisher=Arms & Armour |series=Man o' War |volume=2 |isbn=0-85368-233-X }}
*{{cite book|last1=Ruegg|first1=Bob|last2=Hague|first2=Arnold|title=Convoys to Russia: 1941–1945|year=1993|publisher=World Ship Society|location=Kendal, UK|isbn=0-905617-66-5}}
* {{cite book|last1=Rohwer|first1=Jürgen|last2=Hümmelchen|first2=Gerhard|title=Chronology of the War at Sea 1939–1945|year=1992|publisher=Greenhill Books|location=London|isbn=1-85367-117-7}}
*{{cite book |last=Thomas |first=David Arthur |year=1987 |title=A Companion to the Royal Navy |location=London |publisher=Harrap |isbn=0245545727 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last1=Ruegg|first1=Bob|last2=Hague|first2=Arnold|title=Convoys to Russia: 1941–1945|year=1993|publisher=World Ship Society|location=Kendal, UK|isbn=0-905617-66-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Winser |first=John de D |year=1999 |title=B.E.F. Ships Before, At and After Dunkirk |location=Gravesend |publisher=[[World Ship Society]] |isbn=0-905617-91-6 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |last=Thomas |first=David Arthur |year=1987 |title=A Companion to the Royal Navy |location=London |publisher=Harrap |isbn=0245545727 }}
⚫
* {{cite book |last=Winser |first=John de D |year=1999 |title=B.E.F. Ships Before, At and After Dunkirk |location=Gravesend |publisher=[[World Ship Society]] |isbn=0-905617-91-6 }}


==External links==
==External links==
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*[http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-09VW-Westcott.htm Chronologies of War Service of Royal Navy Warships: HMS Westcott - V & W-class Destroyer on naval-history.net]
*[http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-09VW-Westcott.htm Chronologies of War Service of Royal Navy Warships: HMS Westcott - V & W-class Destroyer on naval-history.net]


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{{V and W class destroyer}}
{{V and W class destroyer}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Westcott, HMS}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Westcott, HMS}}
[[Category:1917 ships]]
[[Category:1918 ships]]
[[Category:V and W-class destroyers of the Royal Navy]]
[[Category:V and W-class destroyers of the Royal Navy]]
[[Category:World War II destroyers of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:World War II destroyers of the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 20:39, 11 May 2023

Westcott during World War II
History
United Kingdom
NameHMS Westcott
OrderedDecember 1916
BuilderDenny
Laid down30 March 1917
Launched14 February 1918
Commissioned12 April 1918
Decommissioned26 June 1945
RefitConverted to long-range escort, 1943
FateSold to BISCO and scrapped, 1946
General characteristics
Class and typeAdmiralty W-class destroyer
Displacement1,100 tons
Length
Beam29 ft 6 in (9.0 m)
Draught
  • 9 ft (2.7 m) standard
  • 13 ft 11 in (4.2 m) maximum
Propulsion
  • 3 Yarrow type Water-tube boilers
  • Brown-Curtis steam turbines
  • 2 shafts
  • 27,000 shp (20,000 kW)
Speed34 knots (63 km/h)
Range320-370 tons oil, 3,500 nmi (6,500 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h), 900 nmi (1,700 km) at 32 knots (59 km/h)
Complement110
Armament

HMS Westcott (D47) was a Royal Navy Admiralty W-class destroyer that served in the Second World War. In the Second World War Westcott served in an anti-submarine role and escorted numerous Atlantic and Malta convoys.

Construction and design[edit]

On 9 December 1916, the British Admiralty placed an order for 21 large destroyers based on the V class, which became the Admiralty W class.[1] Of these destroyers, two, Westcott and Walker were ordered from the Scottish shipbuilders William Denny and Brothers.[2][3]

Westcott was 312 feet (95.1 m) long overall and 300 feet (91.4 m) between perpendiculars, with a beam of 26 feet 6 inches (8.08 m) and a draught of between 10 feet 9 inches (3.28 m) and 11 feet 11+1⁄2 inches (3.64 m) depending on load. Displacement was 1,100 long tons (1,100 t) standard,[4] and up to 1,490 long tons (1,510 t) deep load.[5] Three oil-fed Yarrow boilers raising steam at 250 pounds per square inch (1,700 kPa) fed Brown-Curtis geared steam turbines which developed 27,000 shaft horsepower (20,000 kW), driving two screws for a maximum designed speed of 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph).[4][6] The ship carried 368 long tons (374 t) of oil giving a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km; 4,000 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).[4]

Westcott's main gun armament consisted of four 4-inch Mk V QF guns in four single mounts on the ship's centerline. These were disposed as two forward and two aft in superimposed firing positions. A single QF 3-inch (76 mm) 20 cwt[a] anti-aircraft gun was mounted aft of the second funnel. Aft of the 3-inch gun, she carried six 21-inch torpedo tubes mounted in two triple mounts on the center-line.[4][5]

Westcott was laid down at Denny's Dumbarton, Scotland shipyard on 30 March 1917, and was launched on 14 February 1918.[2] She was commissioned on 2 April[7] and completed on 12 April.[2] She was named after Captain George Blagdon Westcott, who was killed at the Battle of the Nile.[8]

Service[edit]

On commissioning, Westcott joined the 13th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet, based at Rosyth in support of the Battlecruiser Force,[9][10] remaining there for the remainder of the war.[11] In 1919, the Grand Fleet was disbanded, and the Atlantic Fleet took its place, supported by four destroyer flotillas. Westcott joined the Second Destroyer Flotilla, based at Rosyth.[12][13] In August 1919, the Second Destroyer Flotilla, including Westcott, was deployed to the Baltic as part of the British intervention in the Russian Civil War, relieving the First Destroyer Flotilla. The Second Flotilla remained in the Baltic until December 1919.[3][14] In February 1920, Westcott was deployed to the Mediterranean, shelling Turkish forces during the Greco-Turkish War, before returning to Britain in August.[3]

In 1921, as large flotillas of sixteen destroyers had proved difficult to control, it was decided to reorganise the destroyers of the Atlantic Fleet, changing to six flotillas each comprising a Flotilla leader and eight destroyers. Westcott was assigned to the Sixth Flotilla.[15][16] Westcott was refitted at Sheerness from July 1930 to March 1931, having her boilers retubed.[17] At some stage prior to 1931, the 3-inch gun was replaced by a 2-pounder "pom-pom".[18] On 4 January 1933, she stood by the French Ocean liner L'Atlantique after the liner caught fire in the English Channel and was abandoned by her crew.[17] Wescott remained with the Atlantic Fleet (and after 1932 the Home Fleet) until April 1935 when she was reduced to reserve at Devonport.[17]

She returned to active service with the 21st Destroyer Flotilla in September 1935 as a result of the Abyssinia Crisis.[17] On 18 March 1936, Westcott suffered an accidental explosion when on exercise in the Mediterranean. One man was killed, with a further 10 injured.[19][20] In April 1936 she returned to reserve at Devonport.[17] Westcott was then refitted in preparation for duty with the Fourth Submarine Flotilla based on the China Station. One 4-inch gun and the aft set of torpedo tubes was replaced by a crane for retrieval of practice torpedoes fired by the submarines of her flotilla, and sonar was fitted.[3]

Second World War[edit]

On the outbreak of the Second World War, Westcott was still allocated to the Fourth Submarine Flotilla, and was having her armament restored to suit her for full operational service.[3][21] In January 1940, Westcott was assigned to the Mediterranean Fleet, reaching Malta on 14 February. In April 1940, she was recalled to British waters, reaching Devonport on 19 April.[3] She was then assigned to operations off Norway as a response to the German invasion, taking part in the evacuation of British troops from Åndalsnes on the night of 30 April/1 May, and continuing to operate off Norway for the rest of the month.[3][22] In early June 1940 Westcott took part in the escort of a convoy (including the liners Empress of Britain, Aquitania, Mauretania, Queen Mary and Empress of Canada) carrying Australian troops to the United Kingdom, on the leg from Gibraltar to Britain.[23] Westcott then took part in Operation Aerial, the evacuation from ports in Western France of Allied troops who had remained in France following the evacuations from Dunkirk and Le Havre. Westcott was sent to Brest, but collided with the coaster Nyroca on 17 June, with both ships returning to the United Kingdom empty.[24]

On 4 July, Westcott joined the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, based at Devonport for escort duties in the North Atlantic. On 5 July, the destroyer Whirlwind was detached from Convoy OB178 to investigate a possible submarine sighting. While hunting the submarine, U-34, Whirlwind was torpedoed, blowing off the destroyer's bow. Westcott went to the aid of Whirlwind, rescuing the survivors of her crew and scuttling the stricken destroyer with torpedoes when it was realized that it would not stay afloat until rescue tugs would arrive.[25] 57 of Whirlwind's crew were killed.[3] On 2 September 1940, Westcott, with the destroyer HMCS Skeena, the sloops Lowestoft and Scarborough and the corvette Periwinkle, joined inbound Atlantic convoy SC.2 as escort. Over the next few days, the convoy was subject to a series of attacks by German U-boats which sank five of the 53 merchant ships of the convoy (four of them by U-47, commanded by Günther Prien). This was the first successful Wolfpack attack of the Second World War.[26][27]

The Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar aboard Westcott, 28 November 1945. Westcott had operated the device since 1941.

In November 1940, Westcott transferred to the 5th Escort Group, based at Liverpool.[3] On 16 January 1941, along with the Royal Navy tugs HMS Superman and HMS Tenacity, she rescued 143 survivors from SS Oropesa, which German submarine U-96 had torpedoed and sunk in the Western Approaches.[28] On 28 January, Westcott collided with the corvette Bluebell, and after repair at Liverpool, which was slowed by German air raids, joined the 7th Escort Group, also based at Liverpool.[3] Westcott was fitted with a prototype Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar, which replaced the forward 4-inch gun, in August 1941.[3] As a test platform, Westcott became the first vessel to be equipped with Hedgehog.[29] She remained part of the 7th Escort Group at the start of October 1941,[30] and transferred to the Gibraltar Escort Group in December 1941, having her boiler tubes repaired from 24 December 1941 to 14 January 1942.[17]

On 16 January 1942, the troopship MV Llangibby Castle was torpedoed and damaged by the German U-boat U-402, but managed to reach Horta in the Azores.[31][32] After limited repairs, Llangibby Castle left Horta for Gibraltar on the night of 1/2 February, with three destroyers of the Gibraltar Escort group, Westcott, Croome and Exmoor allocated as escorts. Westcott and Croome patrolled off the south exit from Horta harbour while Exmoor escorted Llangibby Castle through the North exit. The German submarine U-581 was waiting off the south exit and attempted to torpedo the two destroyers, but a technical fault forced the submarine to the surface, when U-581 attempted to flee to neutral Portuguese waters. An initial attempt by Westcott to ram the submarine failed, but resulted in Westcott dropping a pattern of shallow-set depth charges all around U-581. Westcott came around for a second ramming attempt, which was successful, sinking the submarine, with 40 of U-581's crew being picked up by Westcott and Croome, with one swimming to shore and four killed.[33][34]

On 19 April, Westcott formed part of the escort for the American aircraft carrier Wasp during Operation Calendar, an attempt to deliver vitally needed Spitfire fighters to Malta. 47 Spitfires were flown off Wasp on 20 April, with 46 reaching Malta.[3][35] The Spitfires were quickly lost, however, and as a result another attempt was made to reinforce Malta's air defences, Operation Bowery. This time, Wasp was joined by the British carrier Eagle, with Westcott again part of the escort for the combined carrier force which met up off Gibraltar on the night of 7/8 May 1942, and flew off 64 Spitfires on 9 May, with 61 reaching Malta, managing to shore up the battered island's air defences.[36][37] Westcott formed part of the escort for the carriers Eagle and Argus when they flew off 17 Spitfires on 18 May in Operation LB,[38] and for two more delivery runs by Eagle on 3 June and 9 June.[39]

On 11 June, Westcott joined the escort of a large supply convoy to Malta from the west, Operation Harpoon, with a second convoy, Operation Vigorous sailing simultaneously to Malta from Alexandria in Egypt. Both convoys came under heavy air attack, and on 14 June, the cruiser Liverpool was damaged by a torpedo dropped by an Italian aircraft. Westcott and the destroyer Antelope were detached from the convoy to escort Liverpool back to Gibraltar, with Antelope taking Liverpool under tow. The three ships came under continued Italian torpedo-bomber attacks after they had left the convoy, and on 16 April, Westcott was hit by anti-aircraft fire from Liverpool, killing three of her crew. The three ships made Gibraltar on 17 June. Two of the six merchant ships in the convoy managed to reach Malta, with two destroyers being sunk as well as four merchant ships. The parallel Operation Vigorous was a failure, being forced to turn back by the weight of Axis attacks.[3][40][41] Westcott took part in two more Spitfire delivery runs by Eagle in July.[3]

Malta was still short of supplies, and in August, another major convoy was run from Gibraltar, Operation Pedestal. The convoy left Gibraltar on 10 August, with Westcott part of the covering force of, including three aircraft carriers and two battleships, which was to escort the convoy to the Skerki Channel off Tunisia, leaving the remainder of the journey to a close escort of cruisers and destroyers. By the time the covering force, including Westcott, turned back on the evening of 12 August, the carrier Eagle had been sunk by a German submarine, and the carriers Indomitable and Victorious damaged by bombers.[3][42][43] Five merchant ships out of fourteen, including the vital tanker SS Ohio, finally made Malta by 15 August.[44]

In October 1942, Westcott escorted Furious on another fighter delivery mission.[3] In November 1942, the Allies launched Operation Torch the Anglo-American invasion of French North Africa. Westcott formed part of the Centre Task Force, covering the landings at Oran in Algeria on 8 November. When the Vichy French submarines Actéon and Argonaute attempted to attack the Allied fleet, they were sunk by Westcott and Achates.[45][b] After Operation Torch, Westcott returned to the United Kingdom.[3]

Following her return from the Mediterranean, Westcott was converted at Portsmouth Naval Dockyard to long-range escort configuration.[3] This involved removing one boiler and its associated funnel, allowing additional oil bunkers to be fitted, extending the ship's range by as much as 600 nautical miles (1,100 km; 690 mi).[49][50]

Withdrawn from service in June 1945, Westcott was sold to the British Iron & Steel Corporation (BISCO) to be scrapped the following year.[3]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "Cwt" is the abbreviation for hundredweight, 20 cwt referring to the weight of the gun.
  2. ^ Sources differ as to which destroyer sank which submarine. Blair[46] says that Westcott sank Argonaute and Achates sank Actéon, while U-boat.net says that Westcott sank Actéon[47] while Argonaute was sunk by both destroyers.[48]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Friedman 2009, pp. 164–165
  2. ^ a b c Friedman 2009, pp. 312–313
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Mason, Geoffrey B (2005). "HMS Westcott – V & W-class Destroyer". Chronologies of War Service of Royal Navy Warships. naval-history.net. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
  4. ^ a b c d Preston 1971, pp. 102, 105, 107
  5. ^ a b Gardiner & Gray 1985, pp. 83–84
  6. ^ Lenton 1970, p. 23
  7. ^ "940b: Westcott (Dev)". The Navy List: 899. December 1920. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  8. ^ Thomas 1987, p. 209
  9. ^ Preston 1971, p. 24
  10. ^ "Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—The Grand Fleet: Destroyer Flotillas of the Grand Fleet". The Navy List: 12. May 1918. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  11. ^ "Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—The Grand Fleet: Destroyer Flotillas of the Grand Fleet". The Navy List: 12. December 1918. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  12. ^ Preston 1971, p. 35
  13. ^ "Supplement to the Navy List Showing Organisation of the Fleet, Flag Officers' Commands, &c.: I.—Atlantic Fleet: Destroyers". The Navy List: 11. July 1919. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  14. ^ Bennett 2002, pp. 149, 198
  15. ^ Manning 1961, p. 28
  16. ^ Preston 1971, pp. 35–36
  17. ^ a b c d e f English 2019, p. 94
  18. ^ Preston 1971, p. 37
  19. ^ "Explosion at Sea: Able Seaman Killed". The Mercury. Hobart, Australia. 20 March 1936. p. 9.
  20. ^ Kindell, Don. "1918–1939 – Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies". naval-history.net. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  21. ^ Preston 1971, p. 59
  22. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, p. 18
  23. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, p. 19
  24. ^ Winser 1999, pp. 40, 147, 149
  25. ^ Morgan & Taylor 2011, pp. 49–52
  26. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, p. 33
  27. ^ Blair 2000a, pp. 182–183
  28. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur (1995–2013). "Oropesa". Ships hit by U-boats. uboat.net. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  29. ^ Ireland 2003, p. 97
  30. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, p. 89
  31. ^ Blair 2000a, pp. 489–490
  32. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Llangibby Castle". Ships hit by U-Boats. U-boat.net. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  33. ^ Blair 2000a, pp. 491–492
  34. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "U-581". U-boat.net. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  35. ^ Barnett 2000, p. 504
  36. ^ Barnett 2000, pp. 504–505
  37. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, p. 138
  38. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, p. 140
  39. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, pp. 143–144
  40. ^ Barnett 2000, pp. 505–515
  41. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, pp. 145–146
  42. ^ Barnett 2000, pp. 517–522
  43. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, p. 155
  44. ^ Barnett 2000, pp. 523–524
  45. ^ Rohwer & Hümmelchen 1992, p. 175
  46. ^ Blair 2000b, p. 92
  47. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "FR Actéon". Allied Warships. U-boat.net. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  48. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "FR Argonaute". Allied Warships. U-boat.net. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  49. ^ Friedman 2009, p. 247
  50. ^ Brown 2007, p. 19

Sources[edit]

  • Barnett, Correlli (2000). Engage The Enemy More Closely. London: Penguin. ISBN 0-141-39008-5.
  • Bennett, Geoffrey (2002). Freeing the Baltic. Edinburgh: Birlinn. ISBN 1-84341-001-X.
  • Blair, Clay (2000a). Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunters 1939–1942. London: Cassell & Co. ISBN 0-304-35260-8.
  • Blair, Clay (2000b). Hitler's U-Boat War: The Hunted, 1942–1945. New York: Modern Library. ISBN 0-679-64033-9.
  • Brown, D. K. (2007). Atlantic Escorts: Ships, Weapons & Tactics in World War II. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84415-702-0.
  • English, John (2019). Grand Fleet Destroyers: Part I: Flotilla Leaders and 'V/W' Class Destroyers. Windsor, UK: World Ship Society. ISBN 978-0-9650769-8-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ignored ISBN errors (link)
  • Friedman, Norman (2009). British Destroyers: From Earliest Days to the First World War. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-049-9.
  • Gardiner, Robert; Gray, Randal, eds. (1985). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. Conway. ISBN 0-85177-245-5.
  • Ireland, Bernard (2003). Battle of the Atlantic. Leo Cooper. ISBN 1844150011.
  • Lenton, H. T. (1970). British Fleet and Escort Destroyers: Volume One. London: Macdonald & Co. ISBN 0-356-02950-6.
  • Preston, Antony (1971). 'V & W' Class Destroyers 1917–1945. London: Macdonald. OCLC 464542895.
  • Manning, T.D. (1961). The British Destroyer. London: Putnam and Co.
  • Morgan, Daniel; Taylor, Bruce (2011). U-boat Attack Logs: A Complete Record of Warship Sinkings from Original Sources 1939–1945. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-118-2.
  • Raven, Alan; Roberts, John (1979). 'V' and 'W' Class Destroyers. Man o' War. Vol. 2. London: Arms & Armour. ISBN 0-85368-233-X.
  • Rohwer, Jürgen; Hümmelchen, Gerhard (1992). Chronology of the War at Sea 1939–1945. London: Greenhill Books. ISBN 1-85367-117-7.
  • Ruegg, Bob; Hague, Arnold (1993). Convoys to Russia: 1941–1945. Kendal, UK: World Ship Society. ISBN 0-905617-66-5.
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  • Winser, John de D (1999). B.E.F. Ships Before, At and After Dunkirk. Gravesend: World Ship Society. ISBN 0-905617-91-6.

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