To take on the German light cruiser ocean raiders, a counter-raider project based on the Town-class ships was created. Given the need for long-range but fast-firing artillery, the ship was equipped with uniform 190 mm guns. HMS Hawkins was laid down in June 1916 and entered service in 1919. Between 1920 and 1928, she operated as the flagship of the 5th Light Cruiser Squadron at the China Station. Between 1928 and 1929, the ship was stationed in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. During World War II, the cruiser was deployed in the secondary theaters of war—the Caribbean, Africa, and India.