scout cruiser

A scout cruiser was a small, fast warship used for reconnaissance and escort duties. These ships typically displaced between 3,000 and 7,000 tons and could reach speeds as high as 30 knots by 1915. They were armed with smaller caliber guns, usually six or 7.5 inches. The British built many of these scout cruisers, as well as larger types that were still smaller than their battle cruisers.1

Cruisers, in general, are large warships built for speed and long-range operation, capable of defending their own fleet and threatening the enemy's. The term "cruiser" was first applied to frigates in the sailing era, which scouted for enemy fleets and hunted convoys. By 1900, cruisers were categorized as protected cruisers (with deck armor) or armored cruisers (with side hull armor). Though smaller than battleships, they were powerful due to their speed and relatively large guns.2