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 commanded by Lieut-Commander E.M.Ferris RNVR. Soon after commisioning she joined Escort Group 4 (EG4) which, in Oct 1943 was escorting an Atlantic convoy of 52 ships when it was attacked by a Wolf-pack of 16 U-boats. During the battle HMS Byard sank U-841. The sinking occurred east of Cape Farewell Greenland, in position 59.57N, 31.05W on October 17th 1943. There were 27 dead and 27 survivors. U-841 was a type IXC/40 U-boat, commissioned February 6th. 1943 and commanded by Kptlt. Werner Bender. U-841 had no successes during her brief life.

N.B.For more details on U-boat history consult U-boatnet

In December 1943, EG4, including HMS Byard, was escorting a Gibraltar convoy which fought its way through a wolf pack west of Spain.

In 1944 from D-day onwards she was part of the covering force preventing the U-boats from interfering with the invasion traffic.

In May 1945 HMS Byard was part of the escort of the last Russian convoy of 23 ships to Kola Inlet. Part of the escort was provided by Canadian escort group EG9. On the way back EG9 was detached to escort surrendering U-boats to Loch Eriboll.

HMS Byard 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.

(Photograph supplied by Malcolm D. Byard, data supplied by M.D. Byard & R.C.Curtis)