They were generally similar to the standard Admiralty M-class destroyer, but were instead designed by the builder, Yarrow & Company.

Generally, they had two instead of three shafts, as well as two funnels and a straight stern, with the bridge set well back from the forecastle.

Jane's Fighting Ships describes the class as "very successful boats", and all ten vessels survived throughout the war to be broken up during the 1920s.

Moon, Mounsey and Musketeer were each fitted to carry a kite balloon.

Three vessels already building by Yarrow were purchased in March 1913 as part of the pre-war 1913–14 programme.