HMS Snowdrop was an Azalea-class sloop of the Royal Navy, built during the early stages of the First World War. She measured 262 feet 6 inches (80.01 meters) in overall length and 250 feet (76.20 meters) between perpendiculars, with a beam of 33 feet (10.06 meters) and a draught of 11 feet (3.35 meters). Displacing approximately 1,210 long tons (1,230 tonnes) at normal load, she was powered by two cylindrical boilers feeding a triple expansion steam engine rated at 1,800 indicated horsepower, which enabled her to reach a top speed of 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h; 19.0 mph). Constructed by Archibald McMillan & Son at their Dumbarton shipyard (yard number 463), Snowdrop was ordered on 4 May 1915, launched on 7 October 1915, and completed by 3 December 1915. She was crewed by about 90 officers and sailors and was armed with two 4.7-inch (120 mm) guns, along with two 3-pounder (47 mm) anti-aircraft guns. Initially serving with the 1st Sloop Flotilla under the Vice Admiral Commanding, Coast of Ireland, Snowdrop's duties included escort missions, minesweeping, and anti-submarine operations. Her notable service included rescuing survivors from the RMS Carpathia after it was torpedoed and sunk by U-55 in July 1918. She also responded to various U-boat attacks, such as assisting the torpedoed merchant ships SS Castalia, SS Canadian, and Dykland, and towing damaged vessels like USS Cassin. Throughout her wartime service, Snowdrop proved vital in escort and rescue operations, contributing significantly to the Royal Navy's efforts against German U-boats. After the war, she remained in service until 1923, when she was sold for scrap to the Unity Ship Breaking Company. Her service record highlights her role in maritime rescue and anti-submarine warfare during a critical period of naval conflict.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.