HMS Lance (1914)

History of the HMS Lance (1914)

The HMS Lance, a ship of the Royal Navy, played a significant role in World War I (1914-1918) as it fired the war's first shots. This destroyer was part of the La Foret class, a group of approximately 22 ships. While the Lance survived the conflict, the three classes that preceded it were lost in action and disbanded in 1921. The ship had a displacement ranging from 965 to 1,300 tonnes, depending on its cargo, and featured a powerful propulsion system that allowed it to reach speeds of up to 29 knots.

Armed with a 4" main gun, a 2-pound "Pom-Pom" gun, and two torpedo tubes, the HMS Lance had a crew of 73 and played a pivotal role in various missions during the war. It was involved in early engagements with German forces, including the sinking of the German ship Queen Louise and the capture of its crew. The ship also participated in the first major naval battle of the war in the Gulf of Heligoland, which ended in a British victory.

Following the conclusion of World War I, the HMS Lance was placed in reserve in late 1918 and was eventually sold for scrap in November 1921, marking the end of its seafaring career.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1914

Origins: UK

Status: Stop service

Crew: 73

Class: Laforey class

Operators: UK

Characters

Sea Bombing

Maritime bombardment/attack of surface targets/areas primarily through ship-based ballistic weapons.

Land Assault

Littoral attacks against surface targets primarily through ship-based missiles/missile weapons.

Sea Patrol

Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Airspace Denial/Deterrence

Neutralization or deterrence of flying elements by airborne missile weapon ballistics.

Fleet Support

Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 269.0 feet (81.99m)

Ray: 26.8 feet (8.17m)

Draft: 9. 5 ft (2. 90 m)

Displacement : 1,200 tons

POWER & PERFORMANCE

Installed Power: Water-tube boiler units feeding Parsons steam turbines developing 24,500 horsepower driving 2 x Shafts astern.

Surface Speed: 29.0 kts (33. 4 mph)

Range: 7,386 nm (8,500 mi | 13,679 km)

ARMAMENT

3 x 4" (102mm) QF Mk IV main guns.

1 x QF 2-pounder Pom-Pom Mk II gun.

4 x 21" torpedo tubes in two twin-tubed mountings.