HMS Penshurst

History
United Kingdom
NamePenshurst
Launched1906
Commissioned6 November 1915
FateSunk 25 December 1917
NotesConverted to Q-ship at Longhope Bay, Orkney
General characteristics
Typesteamer
Tonnage
Displacement2,035 tons[1]
Length232 ft (71 m) oa
Beam35 ft 2 in (10.72 m)
Draught14 ft 6 in (4.42 m)
Propulsionsteam
Speed10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Armament
  • 2 × 4 in guns
  • 2 × 12 pdr guns
  • 2 × 6 pdr naval guns [2]

HMS Penshurst was a Royal Navy warship that was active during World War I. She was a Special Service Vessel (also known as Q-ships) whose function was to act as a decoy, inviting attack by a U-boat in order to engage and (if possible) destroy it. Penshurst fought a number of engagements against German U-boats during her service, and was successful on two occasions, destroying UB-19 in November 1916, and UB-37 in January 1917. Penshurst was sunk following an action with U-110 in December 1917.

  1. ^ Chatterton, p. 214
  2. ^ Ritchie, p. 192