in 1914 "bat" was assigned to the 8th destroyer flotilla based at chatham tendered to . on the outbreak of war, the eighth flotilla was deployed to the firth of forth, carrying out patrol duties in support of the grand fleet. by january 1915, "bat", although still supported by "tyne", was attached to the grand fleet. she remained attached to the grand fleet through the rest of 1915 and 1916.