HMS Electra (H27)

HMS Electra (H27)

HMS Electra (H27) was a Royal Navy 'E' class destroyer (one of 16, including two flotilla leaders, in the E and F classes to be built). She was ordered on 1 November 1932 as part of the 1931 Naval Build Programme; launched on 15 February 1934 at the Hawthorn Leslie Shipyard at Hebburn, Tyneside. The E class were similar to the preceding 'C' and 'D' classes of 1931, but with an improved hull form, modified bridge, three boiler rooms instead of two, and high angle 4.7 inch (120 mm) guns that could elevate to 40 degrees (as opposed to 30 degrees on the earlier classes). The costs to build the ship have been given as approximately £300,000 (Janes), £247,000, or £253,350 (excluding the items supplied by the Admiralty such as guns and communications equipment) .

Sunk in the Battle of the Java Sea, Electra was a witness to many naval battles, including the Battle of the Denmark Strait and Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse.