The order was placed with Cammell Laird and production continued for the Greek account after the outbreak of World War I in August 1914.

Based on the Birmingham sub-class of the Towns, the two Greek ships primarily differed from their British half-sisters in their armament.

[5][6] However, with the war dragging on with no sign of a quick result, the Admiralty soon decided to purchase the two ships, with Antinavarhos Kountoriotis being renamed Birkenhead.

[8] On 26 September 1915, the accommodation ship Caribbean got into difficulties in heavy weather off Cape Wrath when on passage to Scapa Flow.

[9] Birkenhead continued her work-up and training before formally joining the 3rd Light Cruiser Squadron on 6 November.