While undertaking anti-submarine patrols and escorting merchant ships around the British Isles, the destroyer damaged the submarine U-60 and potentially sank U-69.

The first decade of the twentieth century saw dramatic strides in the development of destroyers, and the Royal Navy demanded more powerful designs capable of independent operation.

Pioneered by the Tribal class of 1905 and HMS Swift of 1907, using oil enabled a more efficient design, leading to a smaller vessel which also had increased deck space available for weaponry.

[5] The vessel carried 170 long tons (170 t) of fuel oil which gave a range of 1,540 nautical miles (2,850 km; 1,770 mi) at a cruising speed of 15 kn (28 km/h; 17 mph).

[10] The destroyer was later modified to carry a single Vickers QF 3-pounder 2 in (47 mm) anti-aircraft gun and depth charges for anti-submarine warfare.

On 3 December, Martin, alongside sister ship Hope, was called upon to join a search for submarines in the English Channel.

The lack of success with British anti-submarine measures had meant that merchant shipping had ceased travelling through the Strait of Dover.

[22] On 7 August, the destroyer was leaving Lough Swilly to join a convoy when the crew saw a periscope off the port side.

Sister ships Lyra, Ruby and three other destroyers quickly followed and between them the warships laid a pattern of 13 depth charges.

[24] On 2 October, the destroyer was called to escort the Drake-class armoured cruiser Drake, returning to port after being torpedoed by a German submarine.

The Royal Navy needed to return to a peacetime level of strength and both the number of ships and personnel were reduced to save money.