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HMS Proserpine was a Pelorus class third class cruiser that served in the Channel, at Gibraltar, in the Suez Canal and in support of the British intervention in Mesopotamia during the First World War. At the start of the war, the Proserpine was the light cruiser attached to the Eighth Battle Squadron of the Channel Fleet, but
on 7 August she was in dockyard hands. She was back at sea by the end of the month, taking part in the operation that transported three Marine battalions to Ostend. She was then sent out to form part of the Gibraltar patrol, before in November she was ordered to Egypt. This was part of a complicated movement of ships designed to allow the cruisers Black Prince and Warrior to join the Grand Fleet.
Once in Egypt she formed part of the force defending the Suez Canal. In January 1915 she spent a period patrolling the coast south of Alexandretta, before being relieved by the Philomel. By April 1915 the demands of the Dardanelles offensive meant that the Proserpine was the only British warship in the Suez Canal. Later in 1915 she was relieved from that duty, and sent to support the British intervention in Mesopotamia, remaining at the head of the Gulf until the end of the war.
Displacement (loaded) |
2,135t |
Top Speed |
18.5kts natural draft |
Armour – deck |
1.5in-2in |
- gunshields |
0.25in |
- conning tower |
3in |
Length |
313ft 6in |
Armaments |
Eight 4in quick firing guns |
Crew complement |
224 |
Launched |
5 December 1896 |
Completed |
1899 |
Captains |
Commander G. C. Hardy |
Sold for break up |
1919 |