The ship was launched from the yards of Swan, Hunter &amp; Wigham Richardson, Wallsend, on 5 June 1913 under the name HMS "Sarpedon". The destroyer was renamed HMS "Laertes" on 30 September 1913. She possessed three 4-inch guns and four torpedo tubes, and was designed to operate in British coastal waters against enemy surface and submarine shipping. "Laertes" became part of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla based at Harwich. She took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28 August 1914, where she was seriously damaged suffering four shell strikes. The most serious struck the boiler room, temporarily cutting off all steam supplies to the engines leaving the ship motionless. Another shot destroyed the middle funnel, while a gun was also hit. While "Laertes" was seriously damaged and stopped in the water, went to her aid under heavy fire. Lieutenant Commander Gye manoeuvred to pass a tow, but in getting underway the towing hawser parted. "Laertes" was saved only by the arrival of the battle cruiser . The ship managed to restore some power but had to be towed back to England.