The Greyhound's Design: A Fast And Sleek War Boat

The Greyhound was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the 1930s. It was also the nickname of the U.S.S. Keeling, a fictional destroyer in the 2020 World War II film Greyhound starring Tom Hanks. The film is based on C.S. Forester's 1955 novel The Good Shepherd and is set in 1942 at the height of the Battle of the Atlantic. There was also a Confederate ship called the Greyhound built in Liverpool in 1863.

Greyhound was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the 1930s

The ship was relatively small, with an overall length of 323 feet (98.5 m), a beam of 33 feet (10.1 m), and a draught of 12 feet 5 inches (3.8 m). Despite its size, it was powerful and fast, capable of a maximum speed of 36 knots (67 km/h; 41 mph). Greyhound was equipped with Parsons geared steam turbines and mounted four 4.7-inch (120 mm) Mark IX guns, as well as anti-aircraft defence systems and torpedo tubes.

During its service, Greyhound escorted larger ships of the Mediterranean Fleet, protected convoys from attacks, and sank two Italian submarines in early 1941. Unfortunately, Greyhound met its end on May 22, 1941, when it was sunk by German Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers while escorting battleships attempting to intercept German sea-borne invasion forces destined for Crete. Despite its short service, Greyhound played a crucial role in the early years of World War II and was an important asset to the Royal Navy.

The Greyhound nickname was inspired by the USS Keeling

The USS Keeling in the film Greyhound is portrayed by the USS Kidd, a real World War II-era Fletcher-class destroyer. The USS Kidd was launched in 1943 and named after Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Admiral Kidd was the first US flag officer to die during World War II. The USS Kidd started its career escorting battleships in the Atlantic and the Caribbean before being deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1943.

The USS Kidd played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, participating in strikes against Rabaul, Bougainville, Tarawa, Guam, and the Marianas. It returned to Pearl Harbor for repairs in August 1944 and later joined the invasion of Okinawa in February 1945. During its service, the USS Kidd suffered a kamikaze attack in April 1945, which killed 38 sailors and wounded 55. Despite the damage, the ship continued firing and headed back to its task force.

The choice to film Greyhound aboard the USS Kidd is likely due to its well-preserved state. The USS Kidd is the only remaining Fletcher-class destroyer in its original World War II configuration, offering a unique glimpse into the authentic details of a WWII destroyer. The ship is now preserved as a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, serving as a memorial for Louisiana World War II veterans.

Greyhound was built in Liverpool in 1863

Greyhound was built for the Confederate government, and it left Liverpool for the Confederacy on 5 January 1864. The ship was commanded by Lt. George Henry Bier, also known as "Captain Henry", and it transported goods between the Confederacy and the British islands nearby.

On 9 May 1864, Greyhound departed from Wilmington, North Carolina, carrying 820 bales of cotton, 35 tons of tobacco, and 25 casks of turpentine. The following day, the ship was captured by the USS Connecticut. On board was a mysterious "Mrs. Lewis", who was soon recognised as "the famous rebel lady, Miss Belle Boyd, and her servant". Belle Boyd was a Southern heroine and Confederate agent who had previously been captured by the Union.

"Captain Henry" was also recognised as a former lieutenant in the US Navy. The prize master, Acting Ensign Samuel Harding, Jr., was persuaded by Belle Boyd to let Captain Bier escape to Canada. As a result, Harding was dismissed from the Navy but later married Belle Boyd in England.

Greyhound was a fast steamer, as noted by Admiral Porter, who travelled on the ship from Dutch Gap to Fortress Monroe to confer with Assistant Secretary Gustavus V. Fox. Unfortunately, Greyhound met a dramatic end when Southern saboteurs planted a torpedo in the bunkers, disguised as chunks of coal. The ship was destroyed by an explosion and fire, with all occupants barely escaping.

The Greyhound participated in the Dunkirk evacuation in May 1940

The Greyhound, officially known as HMS Greyhound, was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the 1930s. It participated in the Dunkirk evacuation in May 1940, also known as Operation Dynamo, which aimed to evacuate Allied soldiers trapped by German forces in Dunkirk, France. The operation was a crucial turning point in World War II, and the Greyhound played a vital role in its success.

At the time of the Dunkirk evacuation, the Greyhound was already an experienced vessel, having seen action in the Norwegian Campaign in April 1940. With a length of 323 feet and a maximum speed of 36 knots, the Greyhound was a powerful and agile ship. Its armament included four 4.7-inch Mark IX guns, two quadruple Mark I mounts for 0.5-inch Vickers machine guns, and two above-water quadruple torpedo tube mounts for 21-inch torpedoes. This made it well-equipped to take on the German forces during the evacuation.

The Dunkirk evacuation took place between May 26 and June 4, 1940, and the Greyhound was actively involved in the operation during this period. It worked alongside other Allied ships to rescue soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, facing constant danger from German air and naval attacks. The Greyhound's manoeuvrability and firepower proved invaluable in protecting the evacuation ships and fending off enemy attacks.

On May 28 and 29, the Greyhound demonstrated its bravery and resilience. Despite facing heavy German bombardment, the ship managed to evacuate 1,360 men from Dunkirk before sustaining damage. The Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica came to its aid, towing the Greyhound out of the harbour to safety. The Greyhound's timely rescue efforts were instrumental in saving the lives of many Allied soldiers.

After the Dunkirk evacuation, the Greyhound underwent repairs at Chatham Dockyard and rejoined its flotilla at Dover. The ship continued to serve valiantly in various operations and battles, including the Battle of Dakar in September 1940 and operations in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the Greyhound met its end on May 22, 1941, when it was sunk by German bombers northwest of Crete while escorting battleships of the Mediterranean Fleet.

Greyhound was sunk by German bombers in May 1941

Greyhound was a G-class destroyer built for the Royal Navy in the 1930s. Greyhound participated in the Norwegian Campaign in April 1940, the Dunkirk evacuation in May and the Battle of Dakar in September before being transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet in November.

Greyhound displaced 1,350 long tons (1,370 t) at standard load and 1,883 long tons (1,913 t) at deep load. The ship had an overall length of 323 feet (98.5 m), a beam of 33 feet (10.1 m) and a draught of 12 feet 5 inches (3.8 m). She was powered by Parsons geared steam turbines, driving two shafts, which developed a total of 34,000 shaft horsepower (25,000 kW) and gave a maximum speed of 36 knots (67 km/h; 41 mph).

Greyhound was sunk by German Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers north-west of Crete on 22 May 1941 as she escorted the battleships of the Mediterranean Fleet attempting to intercept the German sea-borne invasion forces destined for Crete.

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