HMS Byard (K315)

HMS Byard was a Buckley class Captains class frigate during World War II. Named Sir Thomas Byard, who commanded HMS Bedford (1775) at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797 during the French Revolutionary Wars.

Originally destined for the US Navy HMS Byard was provisionally given the name USS Donaldson (this name was reassigned to DE 44) however the delivery was diverted to the Royal Navy before the launch. Commanding Officers were Lt Cdr L H Phillips RN February 1943, Lt Cdr K Ferris RNVR January 1944 and Lt J I Jones RN June 1944.

Actions
HMS Byard served exclusively with the 4th Escort Group earning battle honours for service in the North Atlantic.

In 1943, HMS Byard's ship's company paraded in Boston, MA, in the American Day parade.

On 17 October 1943, HMS Byard was escorting an Atlantic convoy which was attacked by a wolf pack of 16 submarines east of Cape Farewell, Greenland. During the ensuing battle HMS Byard sank the submarine U-841 at position 59.95°N, -31.1°W, by the use of depth charges resulting in 27 dead and 27 survivors from U-841's crew. This action made HMS Byard the first Captains class frigate to destroy a Kriegsmarine submarine.

General information

 * Pennant (UK): K 315
 * Pennant (US): DE 55
 * Built by: Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard Inc. (Hingham, Massachusetts, U.S.A.)