HMS Thames became more consequential after her 1903 conversion to submarine support. With Reginald H. S. Bacon appointed inspecting captain of submarine boats, Thames became one of three Portsmouth depot ships tending four A-class and six B-class boats. She then supported six C-class submarines in the Fifth Submarine Flotilla during test mobilization and Nore local defence at the start of the war. In 1915 she received the first attack teacher, which allowed officers to practise simulated submarine attacks before taking command. Later assignments supported C-class boats with the Harwich Force and the Sixth Submarine Flotilla. Her final wartime move to the Clyde placed her with the new periscope school at Campbeltown, extending her usefulness far beyond her cruiser career.
Chapter · 23:08-27:50
HMS Thames begins a second life with submarines
Conversion in 1903 turned Thames into a depot ship supporting early British submarine flotillas, attack training, and a wartime periscope school.