My War at Sea 1914–1916 by Heathcoat Grant

She was involved in the search for the German East Asia Squadron of Vice Admiral Maximilian von Spee. Upon returning to Britain, she was placed in reserve.Īt the beginning of the First World War in August 1914, she was mobilised for service in the South America Station, where she patrolled for German commerce raiders.

Another short deployment to the Mediterranean followed in 1908–1909. She instead returned to Britain and served with several fleet commands in British waters, including the Atlantic Fleet, the Channel Fleet, and finally the Home Fleet. In 1905, she was sent to East Asia, but the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance that year rendered her presence in Asian waters unnecessary. Canopus was laid down in January 1897, launched in October that year, and commissioned into the fleet in December 1899.Ĭanopus served in the Mediterranean Fleet upon commissioning until 1903, when she was decommissioned for refitting. She also carried thinner armour, but incorporated new Krupp steel, which was more effective than the Harvey armour used in the Majestics. Intended for service in Asia, Canopus and her sister ships were smaller and faster than the preceding Majestic-class battleships, but retained the same battery of four 12-inch (305 mm) guns.

HMS Canopus was a pre-dreadnought battleship of the British Royal Navy and the lead ship of the Canopus class. 10 × 12-pounder 76 mm (3 in) quick-firing guns.4 × BL 12 in (305 mm) 35-caliber Mk VIII guns.

My War at Sea 1914–1916 by Heathcoat Grant