HMS „Lance“ – the British destroyer

The destroyer “Lance” was part of a series of 8 ships, known as the "L" type (more commonly known as the "L/M" type, because it also included 8 almost identical "M" type ships). Along with HMS “Gurkha”, “Lively” and “ Legion”, they formed a sub-group, that differed from the original design “L/M” type destroyers. They were classified as anti-aircraft destroyers and were well suited for escort duty, as they were armed with universal guns. Another reason for changing the original design was the availability of a sufficient number of 120 mm Mk. XI on MkXX turrets, the production of which did not keep up with the pace of construction of "L" type ships in shipyards. It was decided, that 4 destroyers would be built according to the modified design and they would be armed with 4 twin-barreled turrets with 102 mm guns HA/LA Mk. XVI on Mk. XIX basis. The shape of the front superstructure has been changed and the stern superstructure has been enlarged. HMS “Lance” and “Gurkha” were also fitted with an additional cover for the “HF/DF” radio range finder on the tripod mast, distinguishing these ships from other “L/M” destroyers. The hull of the "L" type ships was the result of further development of the "classic" destroyers of the "J, K, N" type. The ships are equipped with two “Parsons” turbines, the total power of which reached 48,000 h. p., 2 "Admiralty" type steam boilers. Miners reached a maximum speed of 36 knots. In 1942 HMS "Lance" without 8 (2 x IV) torpedoes of 533 mm caliber Mk. X, was armed with 8 (4 x II) 102 mm guns "HA/LA". In addition, two twin 12.7 mm caliber (2 x IV) “Vickers” machine guns were installed on both sides of the main superstructure, and two 20 mm anti-aircraft guns “Oerlikon” Mr. III. And on the superstructure behind the chimney there was still a four-barreled 40 mm caliber "Pom-pom". For defense against submarines 8 depth bombs launchers and 3 bomb launchers were installed at the stern. The total stockpile of depth bombs is 110 units. The ship's keel was laid on March 1, 1939 at the “Yarrow” shipyard in Glasgow, the hull was launched on November 28, 1939, and she entered service on May 13, 1941. Service began with the escort of the battleship HMS “King George V” and the aircraft carrier HMS “Victorious” on 22 May 1941. The purpose of the operation is the pursuit of the German battleship “Bismarck”. But the “Lance” was forced to call into port to repair damage, caused by bad weather conditions. After a brief refit, the ship escorted the aircraft carrier HMS “Furious” to Gibraltar, the escort also included the co-type “Legion”. In these escorts between Great Britain and Gibraltar, the destroyer spends two months, and in August 1941 it is included in the composition of "Force H" and stationed in Gibraltar, from where it participates in convoys to Malta. In October 1941, it was included in the composition of "Force K" with a base in Malta, where it caused considerable losses to the Italian shipping and military fleet. During one patrol sank 7 Italian convoy cargo ships and the Italian destroyer "Fulmine". 15 days later, an escort of two cargo ships, escorted by two Italian destroyers “Lupo” and “Cassiopea” is attacked and both escorted ships are sunk. The rest of the ship's service period is full of similar battles, damage, repairs, victories and minor defeats. In 1942 the ship was placed for repairs in Malta, which was planned to be completed on April 25. However, on April 4, the ship, standing at the quay, falls under German bombs and is partially sunk. 4 days later the ship is further damaged in another raid. In 1942/1943, "Lance" is raised and towed to Great Britain. There, the ship is recognized as unfit for service due to very severe damage and from June 1944 it is gradually cut up at the TW “Ward” shipyard in Grays.

A complex and rather labor-intensive model. The model is well designed and richly detailed, intended for intermediate and advanced modelers only. You can glue together a model of the ship as it was in 1942, when it was registered in the port of Malta just before it was sunk. The ship is painted in two-color camouflage without spots - the hull is dark; the superstructures are light.