M33 was built as part of the rapid ship construction campaign following the outbreak of the First World War by Harland & Wolff, Belfast.

Ordered in March 1915, she was launched in May and commissioned in June; an impressive shipbuilding feat, especially considering that numerous other ships of her type were being built in the same period.

In June, M33 moved to Archangel and her shallow draught enabled her to travel up the Dvina River to cover the withdrawal of British and White Russian forces.

[1] At one time the river level was so low the ship's guns had to be removed and transported by cart, with the crew placing as much weight on her stern to keep the propellers in the water and to push M33 over the mudbanks.

She later passed to Hampshire County Council and was towed back to Portsmouth to begin further restoration, she was moored in No.1 Basin near HMS Victory.