HMS Inconstant (1914) British Light Cruiser
HMS Inconstant was an Arethusa-class light cruiser built for the Royal Navy during the First World War. William Beardmore and Company constructed her at Dalmuir, Scotland. Launched on 6 July 1914, she entered service in January 1915.
Designed for reconnaissance and fleet screening, Inconstant displaced approximately 3,750 tons and could reach speeds of 28.5 knots. Her original armament included two 6-inch guns, six 4-inch guns and 21-inch torpedo tubes.
Following commissioning, Inconstant completed a shakedown cruise to Gibraltar before joining the Grand Fleet’s 1st Light Cruiser Squadron. During 1915, she participated in patrols and operations against German naval forces in the North Sea. These included the search for the German auxiliary minelayer Meteor in August.
On 31 May 1916, Inconstant participated in the Battle of Jutland, serving with the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron. In September 1917, the Royal Navy equipped Inconstant for minelaying operations. She could carry 74 naval mines and subsequently completed five minelaying missions, laying approximately 370 mines.
Following the Armistice in November 1918, Inconstant remained in service. She briefly served as an Atlantic Fleet flagship and was attached to the 1st Submarine Flotilla.
The Admiralty paid her off in February 1922 and sold her for scrapping on 9 June 1922.
