Type 15 Frigates

The Type 15 Frigates were – like the Type 16 Frigates – converted from War Emergency Programme destroyers. Twenty three destroyers were converted into Type 15 Frigates, four R-class (Rapid, Relentless, Rocket, and Roebuck), one T-class (Troubridge), thirteen U/V-class (Grenville, Ulster, Ulysses, Undaunted, Undine, Urania, Urchin, Ursa, Venus, Verulam, Vigilant, Virago, and Volage), and five W/Z-class (Wakeful, Whirlwind, Wizard, Wrangler, and Zest).

What the ships looked like before conversion:

The conversions entailed:

• The removal of all the existing superstructure, weaponry, and masts
• The complete overhaul of the existing propulsion system
• The extension of the existing forecastle deck towards the stern of the ship, leaving only a small quarterdeck at the stern
• The addition of a new single-level superstructure which incorporated a fully enclosed bridge, an operations room, and a sonar room
• The addition of new a lattice mast to carry the enhanced radars, HF/DF, and communications equipment that was now fitted
• The addition of two x triple Limbo anti-submarine mortars, which were fitted aft (N.B. Rapid, Roebuck, Venus, Verulam, Vigilant, Virago, Volage, Wakeful, Whirlwind, Wizard, and Wrangler were fitted with 2 x triple Squid anti-submarine mortars in lieu of the Limbos)
• The addition of a twin 4-inch dual purpose gun (mounted aft) and a twin 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun (mounted forward)

What the ships looked like after conversion:

The conversions were undertaken between 1949 and 1957, and the last ships (Rapid, Grenville, and Ulster) were broken up in 1981

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The Royal Canadian Navy converted two destroyers (Algonquin (ex-Valentine) and Crescent) and the Royal Australian Navy converted four Q-class destroyers (Quadrant, Quickmatch, Queenborough, and Quiberon) along similar lines.

The Canadian ships differed somewhat in terms of their armament (Algonquin and Crescent had a US twin 3-inch gun in place of the Bofors anti-aircraft guns and were fitted with Squid anti-submarine mortars) and their radar fit, the latter including more American equipment. Of the four Australian ships, Quadrant was equipped with Squid anti-submarine mortars and the other three had Limbo anti-submarine mortars.