Nemesis was undamaged by enemy action, despite a near-miss from a torpedo launched by the German submarine U-9, but was damaged in a collision with sister ship Nymphe.

After the Armistice, the destroyer was returned to Royal Navy service in 1919 but was reduced to reserve before being sold to be broken up in 1921.

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.

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

[6][7] The armament consisted of a single BL 4 in (102 mm) Mk VIII gun carried on the forecastle and another aft.

[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.

Nemesis was laid down at the Dumbarton shipyard of R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie and Company on 26 November with yard number 434, launched on 9 August 1910 and completed in 7 March 1911.

[18] The torpedo missed, crossing 200 yd (180 metres) in front of the destroyer, although the submarine escaped before Nemesis could launch a depth charge attack.

[21] The destroyer was subsequently deployed to Devonport to undertake more extensive escort duties, protecting merchant ships against German submarines, remaining there until December 1916.