Dolphin, 1861
Type: CoastGuard Cruiser ; Armament -
Laid down : George Inman, Lymington, 16 Feb 1861 ;
Disposal date or year : -
BM: 80 tons ;
Notes:

13 Nov 1861 completed.

Dolphin, 1882
Type: Sloop ; Armament 4
Launched : 9 Dec 1882 ; Disposal date or year : 1925
Displacement: 925 tons
Propulsion: Screw
Machinery notes: 720
Notes:

Apr 1886 Suda Bay.

8 May 1886 Serving in Greek Waters. See Temeraire for more detail.

1 Oct 1887 Re-commissioned at Cattaro.

1890 Mediterranean.

1907 Accommodation hulk for submarines.

3l Aug 1912 Became an independent command.

NB it would appear that due to the size of the vessel that the Dolphin was little more than a nominal Depot Ship for administration for the Flag Officer, Submarines, based at Fort Blockhouse, Gosport, this at a time when, despite that fact that the gunnery school had moved ashore to Whale Island circa 1890, and there were now three RN Barracks in the home ports, the Admiralty seemed to have a problem with shore bases, and still required those bases to have an attached vessel, if only to comply with the Naval Discipline Act then in force, this situation not being resolved in 1959.

ADM 156/95 Revised Court Martial Procedure. E.R.A.4. A R Orman R.N. HMS DOLPHIN. Theft 1921-1924.