Editing USS Wyvern (section)

== HMS Wyvern D66, Modified W Class Destroyer (1919- 1947) ==


HMS Wyvern was launched in April 1919 and was part of the 16th Destroyer Flotilla. Wyvern was sold in 1947 after many trips around the world.

[[image:Wyvern1b-_wwii.jpg|thumb|left|The HMS Wyvern DD66 at Launch]]
The HMS Wyvern saw service in the Mediterranean Fleet. At this time the ship was not a submarine detecting Destroyer, but at a later date, mid-1930’s she was converted, as was most of the old class of Destroyers. Some were considered unsuitable as they were too old. All destroyers from 1928 forward were built with the detection gear already installed. 

The USS Wyvern served with the Mediterranean Fleet in the 4th Destroyer Squadron of nine ships in the 16th Flotilla. Two (as called) Divisions of 4 ships with one Destroyer with a Captain aboard in charge of the Flotilla. At that time there were four Flotillas serving in Malta. After a Flotilla had served 2 years 4 months or so, it was sent back to England to pay off and all crew left the ship which was replaced by a new one which was sent aboard after a refit in the home ports. Therefore, at those times only 3 Flotillas were on station.

[[image:USS_Wyvern_WWII.jpg|thumb|right|HMS Wyvern at Tripoli Harbor 1941]]
Exercises with the Fleet were War Maneuvers in which, instead of part of the watch, the whole watch was on duty with extra lookouts and certain guns manned. That was when the two parts of the Fleet met in mock battle. (Red and Blue). After all exercises had been completed the Fleet dispersed. Most ships went to various places to anchor and give leave. We had 2 Aircraft Carriers with the Fleet and these also took part in the maneuvers.

Whilst at Malta, the Fleet put to sea for gunnery practice. Destroyers built from 1927 also had more modern Directors to improve the efficiency of firing the guns and guns of a uniform size - 4.7". Gunnery improved on as time went on - more range.


'''War Record World War II'''

*On March 13, 1941 the USS Wyvern was assigned as an escort for Convoy SL.114 through the Mediterranean Sea.  She engaged and is believed to have sunk two enemy U-Boats during that convoy action.

*On February 22nd, 1943 whilst escorting convoy KMS.8, Flower class corvette HMS Weyburn strikes a mine laid by U-118 and sinks 4 miles W of Cape Spartel at 35 48N 06 02W. The HMS Wyvern is damaged by the Weyburn’s exploding depth charges whilst attempting to rescue survivors. 

*On March 14, 1945, U714 was depth charged and sank by the South African Frigate HMSAS Natal and the HMS Wyvern on the 14th March 1945 with loss of all 50 crew members. 

One of the vessel’s commanding officers was Captain Sydney George Cribb who died 3rd January 1923 and was buried at Kalkara Naval Cemetery. From July 1939 the HMS Wyvern was commanded by Captain Reginald Gregory Haines 

'''General Characteristics:''' 
[[image:USS_Wyvern_WWII-2.jpg|thumb|right|HMS Wyvern off the coast of Malta- 1944]]

*Shipyard: James Samuel White & Co. Ltd., Cowes 
*Laid down 19.08.1918 
*Launch 16.04.1919
*Construction time:  0y 7m 28d 
*Scrapped: 1948 
*Type: Torpedo destroyer, modified class W
*Dimensions: 300 (p.p.), 312 (o.a.) x 29.5 x 9 feet (mean) draught. 
*Displacement 1300 tons average 
*Armament 4-4.7 inch (Dir. Con.), 2-2 pdr. Pom-poms. Tubes: 6 in two triple mountings. 
*Propulsion Brown-Curtis AG turbines (Whitehall and perhaps one or two others: Parsons), Designed S.H.P. 27,000, 2 screws. Boilers: Yarrow (White's: White-Forster) 
*Max. Speed 34 kts 
*Bunkerage Oil: about 350/ 320 tons 
*Crew 127