Although no photographs have been found of HMS Byard (formerly DE-55 Donaldson) it is known that she was laid down by Bethlehem Hingham, Hingham MA. on October 15th. 1942. She was launched on March 6th 1943 and sent to Britain under the lend lease agreement.
Renamed HMS Byard (K-315) she saw service on escort duties for the Atlantic convoys.
She was returned to the US Navy on December 12th. 1945, stricken February 7 1946 and sold as scrap in 1946.
Technical data:
Buckley Class Destroyer, Displacement 1400 Tons, Dimensions, 306ft (oa) x 37' x 13'6" (Max)
Armament 3 x 3"/50, 4 x 1.1" AA, 8 x 20mm AA, 3 x 21"TT (1 x 3) 1 Hedgehog, 8 DCT, 2 racks
Machinery, 12,000 SHP; G.E. Turbines with electric drive, 2 screws, Speed 24 knots, Range 6,000NM @12 knts. Crew 186.
(Data and photograph on this page supplied by Malcolm D. Byard)