In 1917, while moored off the coast of Deir al-Balah supporting the monitors Raglan, M16 and M29, Staunch was torpedoed by the German submarine U-38.

[2] 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 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

[9] 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.

[6][12] Staunch was laid down at the Dumbarton shipyard of William Denny and Brothers with the yard number 920 on 15 January 1910, launched on 29 October and completed on 17 March.

[20] Soon afterwards, the destroyers were deployed to Devonport to undertake escort and patrol duties, protecting merchant ships against German submarines.

Royal Navy vessels had successfully removed a large force from the peninsular, but there remained 37,500 troops on 29 December left on the beaches.

[27] It was not until 9 January 1916 that the destroyer was able to approach one of the hulks that lay offshore and was able to save the majority of a battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment.

[28][29] On 30 October 1917, the destroyer formed part of the support for the monitor Raglan in bombarding troops of the Ottoman Empire stationed north of Gaza.

Remained at periscope depth, Wendlandt monitored the flotilla until, on the following day, he found a gap between the anti-submarine nets and the coast.