HMS Cressy from China Station to Heligoland Bight

Cressy entered Fleet Reserve in May 1901 and then commissioned for the China Station, although a steering failure delayed her departure. She reached Colombo and Singapore that November, completed a full overseas tour, and later served on the North America and West Indies Station before returning to reserve in 1909. When war began she was less than fifteen years old and had spent only four or five years in commission, which undercuts the image of a worn-out ship sent out as expendable bait. Cressy joined the Seventh Cruiser Squadron and did not fire at Heligoland Bight, but the squadron's approach helped persuade the German force to withdraw. She then carried 165 unwounded German survivors recovered after the battle back to the Nore under Bacchante's escort. Her career before 22 September 1914 combined imperial presence, reserve readiness, and practical support to the Harwich Force.