Laburnum fired ten shells toward rebels approaching Galway in April 1916, and the advancing force withdrew. Two days later she escorted a troop transport into the port to secure it. In February 1917 she drove U-81 away from the stricken Manola and rescued 176 passengers and crew, although the ship later sank. She then towed the damaged Q-ship Farnborough toward safety after Farnborough sank U-83 with concealed guns. Later that month Laburnum recovered 292 people after Laconia was torpedoed, giving the sloop repeated work as an escort, tow, and rescue platform.
Chapter · 24:54-29:06
Laburnum at Galway and on Atlantic rescue missions
HMS Laburnum defended Galway during the Easter Rising and repeatedly answered torpedoed ships, rescuing hundreds while sometimes towing damaged vessels toward safety.