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HMS Osiris (1916) was a repeat M class destroyer that served with the Grand Fleet from December 1916 almost to the end of the First World War, before moving to Devonport in November 1918.
The Osiris was ordered under the Fourth War Programme of February 1915. She was laid down at Palmer, launched on 28 September 1916 and completed in December 1916.
1916
From December 1916 to February 1918 the Osiris served with the 13th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet
1917
On 23 February 1917 the Osiris collided with the steam hopper barge Scudhill.
When the Germans attacked a Scandinavian convoy on 16 October, sinking the destroyers Mary Rose and Strongbow, the Osiris was one of twelve destroyers that were attached to the 6th Light Cruiser Squadron at Rosyth. When news that the Germans were at sea reached the British this squadron was ordered to head east to patrol off the Danish coast, but the Vimiera, Nerissa, Pylades and Osiris lost touch with the 6th Light Cruiser Squadron on 16 October, got back in touch with the Cardiff (part of the squadron) on 17 October and returned to port on the night of 17-18 October.
On 16 December 1917 the Osiris and Vehement collided.
1918
From April 1918 onwards the Osiris appears to have swapped between the 13th and 14th Flotillas on an almost monthly basis.
In April 1918 the Osiris served with the 13th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet
In May 1918 the Osiris served with the 14th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet
On 31 May the Osiris sailed with the fleet taking part in Operation F 3, which saw the Battlecruiser Fleet support the Harwich Force during a sweep into the Heligoland Bight. On 1 June the fleet was attacked by two German seaplanes, and launched Sopwith Camels from Sydney and Melbourne. The Melbourne’s aircraft failed to find the Germans, was fired at by the Lion, and eventually ditched next to the Osiris, which picked up her pilot, Flight Lieutenant Leslie Gibson.
In June 1918 the Osiris is recorded as serving with both the 13th and 14th Destroyer Flotillas of the Grand Fleet
In July 1918 the Osiris served with the 13th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet
In August 1918 the Osiris served with the 14th Destroyer Flotilla, Grand Fleet
In November-December 1918 the Osiris served with the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, Devonport
Post-War
On 7 March 1919 the Osiris collided with SS Gaditano.
On 18 August the Osiris collided with the Kentish Knock light vessel.
On 20 August the Osiris collided with the barge Northumberland in the Stangate Creek of the River Medway.
She was sold to be broken up in May 1921.
Service Record
December 1916-February 1918: 13th Destroyer Flotilla, Grand Fleet
March 1918: 14th Destroyer Flotilla, Grand Fleet
April 1918: 13th Destroyer Flotilla, Grand Fleet
May 1918: 14th Destroyer Flotilla, Grand Fleet
June 1918: 13th and 14th Destroyer Flotillas, Grand Fleet
July 1918: 13th Destroyer Flotilla, Grand Fleet
August 1918: 14th Destroyer Flotilla, Grand Fleet
November-December 1918: 4th Destroyer Flotilla, Devonport
December 1918: 4th Destroyer Flotilla, Devonport
Displacement (standard) |
1,025t (Admiralty design) |
Displacement (loaded) |
1,250t |
Top Speed |
34 knots |
Engine |
3-shaft Brown-Curtis or Parsons turbines |
Range |
|
Length |
273ft 4in (Admiralty) |
Width |
26ft 8ft (Admiralty) |
Armaments |
Three 4in/ 45cal QF Mk IV |
Crew complement |
80 |
Laid down |
- |
Launched |
28 September 1916 |
Completed |
December 1916 |
Sold for break up |
May 1921 |
British Destroyers From Earliest Days to the Second World War, Norman Friedman. A very detailed look at the design of British destroyers from their earliest roots as torpedo boat destroyers, though the First World War and up to the start of the Second World War, supported by vast numbers of plans and well chosen photographs [read full review]
