 When the Reserve Fleet was abolished in February 1907 and became the Home Fleet , Empress of India continued her service as flagship , but now for the Rear @-@ Admiral , Devonport Division . On 25 May she was relieved as flagship by the protected cruiser Niobe . Three days later , the ship recommissioned as a special service vessel . Empress of India relieved her sister ship Royal Oak as parent ship of the special service vessels in November 1911 . On 2 March , the ship left Portsmouth under tow by the armoured cruiser Warrior , en route to the Motherbank , where she was to be laid up , but she collided with the German barque Winderhudder en route and had to return to Portsmouth for repairs . She finally arrived at the Motherbank two months later and was laid up , awaiting disposal . 
