HMS Maidstone (1912)

HMS Maidstone was a submarine depot ship of the Royal Navy. She was purpose built to support 12 of the new 'D' Class submarines under the 1910/11 Naval Programme.

Service history

Pre-war

Maidstone commissioned at Portsmouth on 15 October 1912, as the principal depot ship of the officer commanding the newly established 8th Submarine Flotilla. This was the offensive submarine force based in UK waters.

First World War

Maidstone led the 8th Submarine Flotilla to its war station at Harwich in the 1914 mobilisation. She remained the principal depot ship for the offensive submarine force at Harwich for the duration of the hostilities. Maidstone's Flotilla was re-established as the 9th Submarine Flotilla in August 1916. However, this was only a change of the flotilla number and there was no change in her duties.

Fate

Maidstone decommissioned from service on 15 December 1927. She was sold on 31 August 1929.