HMS Royalist (1915) British Light Cruiser
HMS Royalist 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 14 January 1915, she entered service later that year.
Designed for reconnaissance and fleet screening duties, Royalist displaced approximately 3,750 tons and could reach speeds of 28.5 knots. Her original armament consisted of two 6-inch guns, six 4-inch guns and four 21-inch torpedo tubes.
Upon commissioning, Royalist joined the Grand Fleet’s 4th Light Cruiser Squadron. On 31 May 1916, Royalist participated in the Battle of Jutland. In February 1917, the Royal Navy equipped Royalist for minelaying operations. She could carry 74 naval mines and subsequently participated in 16 minelaying missions, laying approximately 1,183 mines.
Following the Armistice in November 1918, Royalist remained in service briefly before entering reserve and being scrapped in August 1922.
