HMS Galatea (1914) British Light Cruiser
HMS Galatea was an Arethusa-class light cruiser built for the Royal Navy during the First World War. William Beardmore and Company constructed the vessel at Dalmuir, Scotland. Launched on 14 May 1914, she entered service in December 1914.
Designed for reconnaissance and destroyer flotilla support, Galatea displaced approximately 3,750 tons and could reach speeds of 28.5 knots. Her main armament consisted of two 6-inch guns, six 4-inch guns and four 21-inch torpedo tubes.
Initially, Galatea served with the Harwich Force, conducting patrols and operations against German naval forces in the North Sea. She later joined the Grand Fleet’s 1st Light Cruiser Squadron.
Serving as the squadron flagship under Commodore Edwyn Alexander-Sinclair, 31 May 1916, Galatea reported enemy vessels near the Danish coast. Shortly afterwards, Galatea and HMS Phaeton exchanged fire with German ships, beginning the Battle of Jutland.
Following Jutland, Galatea continued serving in the North Sea. She later undertook operations in the Baltic and Black Sea during the post-war period.
She was sold for scrapping in October 1921.
