The ships served on distant stations, including China, and took part in the Boxer Rebellion. When their front-line role narrowed, the class remained employed as coast-guard and reserve ships. Their successful performance across those duties makes their disposal under Fisher more puzzling. Peacetime, reserve, and station work were real measures of a warship's value alongside combat.
Notable Point · 4:15-6:50
A useful class in varied Royal Navy roles
Follow the Orlandos from China and the Boxer Rebellion to their later use as coast-guard and reserve ships.