These leaders were built for all the older destroyers and escorts that required a leader. The ships were based on the successful Ruby class hulls with twin turrets replacing the single mountings. The twin turrets required extra breadth. The extra accommodation, for Captain 'D' and his staff, was around the funnel and a larger after superstructure. This design would evolve into the Diamond class destroyers being built a few years later.
The six ships of the class were in high demand as soon as they were completed. Going to the minor flotillas as leaders, they were badly needed and replaced the older destroyers that had been used previously. Once war broke out, these ships were naturals for Escort Leaders for the Convoy System that was being instituted during late 1939. Four ships survived the war and were sold in 1950.
