Commissioned in late 1944, she was built as a flotilla leader with additional accommodation for staff officers.

The turbines developed a total of 40,000 indicated horsepower (30,000 kW) and gave a speed of 36 knots (67 km/h; 41 mph) at normal load.

[2] During her sea trials, Cavendish reached a speed of 32.7 knots (60.6 km/h; 37.6 mph) at a load of 2,336 long tons (2,373 t).

[3] The Ca-class ships carried enough fuel oil to give them a range of 4,675 nautical miles (8,658 km; 5,380 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

[6] Cavendish was laid down by John Brown & Company at their shipyard in Clydebank on 19 May 1943 with the name of Sibyl and was launched on 12 April 1944 by which time she had been renamed.