two funnels. Two rotating torpedo tubes were mounted aft of the funnels, with two reloads carried, and a searchlight fitted between the tubes. The destroyer was later modified to carry a single Vickers QF 3-pounder anti-aircraft gun and depth charges for anti-submarine warfare. The ship's complement was 72 officers and ratings. Construction and career The 20 destroyers of the Acorn class were ordered by the Admiralty under the 1909–1910 Naval Programme. Staunch was laid down at the Dumbarton shipyard of William Denny and Brothers with the year number 920 on 15 January 1910, launched on 29 October and completed on 17 March. The ship was fifth in navy service given the name staunch, which had been first used in 1797. The vessel initially joined the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla. On 5 August 1911, the destroyer escorted the royal yacht at the Cowes Regatta. Staunch subsequently joined the Second Destroyer Flotilla. After the British Empire declared war on Germany at the beginning of the First World War in August 1914, the flotilla became part of the Grand Fleet. Between 13 and 15 October, the flotilla supported the battleships of the Grand Fleet in a practice cruise. Soon afterwards, the destroyers were deployed to Devonport to undertake escort and patrol duties, protecting merchant ships against German submarines. January 1915 found the vessel attached the Grand Fleet. On 28 August 1915, the flotilla took part in an anti-submarine patrol, accompanied by battleships and cruisers, but this was unsuccessful at destroying any submarines. However, towards the end of the year, the destroyer was detached from the Grand Fleet. Leaving Devonport on 13 November, Staunch sailed to the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was attached to the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla as part of the Mediterranean Fleet. Within months, the destroyer was deployed to support the end of the Gallipoli campaign. Royal Navy vessels had successfully removed a large force from the peninsular, but there remained 37,500 troops on 29 December left on the beaches. The Navy organised the evacuation of 22,500 troops, but the combination of weather and geography meant that there were still 15,000 that were left ashore. It was not until 9 January 1916 that the destroyer was able to approach one of the hulks that lay offshore and help the evacuation. The ship succeeded in saving the majority of a battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment. On 30 October 1917, the destroyer formed part of