Dido, 1896
Type: Destroyer Depot Ship ; late Light Cruiser ; late 2nd Class Cruiser ; Armament 9 - 6 inch, 45 cal. M. VII, 4 - 12 pdr., 12 cwt., 1 - 3 pdr., 2 M.G. Torpedo tubes (18 inch) : 2 submerged, 1 above water (stern).
Launched : 20 Mar 1896 ; Displacement: 5600 tons
Propulsion: 2 screws Complement: 393
Machinery notes: 2 sets inverted triple expansion. Boilers: 8 single-ended cylindrical. Designed H.P. natural 8000 = 18.5 kts. ; forced 9600 = 19 5 kts. Coal : normal, 550 tons ; maximum, 1065 tons. ; Speed ; 18.5 knots ;
Notes:
21 Jun 1900 . Upon receipt of telegraphic orders, the British cruiser Dido left here last night for Chinese waters. Reuter.
22 Jun 1900 The second class cruisers Isis and Dido, belonging to the Mediterranean Fleet, have been ordered to reinforce HM ships on the China Station, and will leave Malta for Hong Kong in a few days.
1913 Converted to Depot Ship
Aug 1914 Depot Ship, Third Destroyer Flotilla - Home Fleet