The engines were designed to produce a total of 16,500 indicated horsepower (12,300 kW) which was intended to give a maximum speed of 25 knots.

[4] The scout cruisers soon proved too slow for this role as newer destroyers outpaced them.

The sisters carried a maximum of 600 long tons (610 t) of coal which gave them a range of 3,400 nautical miles (6,300 km; 3,900 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).

They also carried eight QF 3-pounder Hotchkiss guns and two single mounts for 18-inch torpedo tubes, one on each broadside.

After the beginning of the First World War in August 1914, they were assigned to coastal defence duties on the East Coast of England.

After repairs were completed she remained on coast defence duties until she was transferred to the Irish Sea in 1918.