Launched on 18 March 1916, the vessel served with the Grand Fleet, taking part in significant actions on 19 August 1916 and 4 May 1917, as well as the fight between the British and German battlecruisers in the Battle of Jutland.

The destroyer also undertook the other more general roles were typical of the type, including anti-submarine sweeps and escort duties for convoys.

After the end of the war, Pelican initially joined a Local Defence Flotilla but within a year had been placed in reserve and was subsequently sold to be broken up on 9 May 1921.

296 long tons (301 t) of oil were carried, giving a design range of 3,450 nautical miles (6,390 km; 3,970 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

[6] Pelican was laid down by William Beardmore and Company of Dalmuir on 25 June 1915 with the yard number 537, launched on 18 March the following year and completed on 1 April.

[14] As Pelican approached, the periscope of U-66 was seen and the destroyer attacked, dropping a depth charge which shook the German boat.

[17] 1917 also saw Pelican escort the light cruisers Dublin and Sydney in the Action of 4 May, which involved attacks from German airships as well as submarines.