At the outbreak of the First World War, Sappho patrolled northeast of Shetland to guard troop convoys from German interference. Her commanding officer later directed four armed boarding steamers that stopped merchant ships suspected of carrying contraband to Germany. The patrol network illustrates how numerous cruisers and auxiliaries could make the movement of enemy personnel and goods difficult far from a fleet battle. Selected as a blockship for the second Ostend raid, Sappho suffered engine damage and a boiler explosion on the approach, forcing her to abandon the attack and leaving her available for postwar scrapping.
Notable Point · 39:10-41:40
Sappho protects convoys and polices contraband routes
Sappho covered troop convoys, directed armed boarding steamers against contraband, and nearly ended as a blockship before machinery damage aborted the mission.