HMS Grafton (DD-1936 (1942 drawing))
The previous A-F class ships had featured a hybrid high angle 4.7" mounting.
Various problems with loading the gun at high angle and various training angles
made a new mounting with full dual purpose capabilities a must for future
destroyer development. The design work started in 1932 for the new mounting and
the first new single mounts were fitted to the latest G class destroyers. A full
80 degree elevation with the capability of all round loading, the new mounting
in single and twin open mounts were followed by a twin turret version. (once I
get everything sorted I think this gun/mounting will be the standard AA weapon
replacing the 4.5" BD and UD mountings. A BD version used on the Queen Elizabeth
with 4.7" guns will also be made.)
The G class were produced in three batches of four for 12 ships. No flotilla
leader was produced for the G's as they were to be matched with a Tribal class
Destroyer Leader to give 4 G's to one Tribal as half flotillas.