As Belfast developed into a major naval base during the Second World War, its headquarters outgrew the confines of HMS "Caroline" herself and occupied different establishments in various parts of the city. Eventually several thousand ratings were wearing "Caroline" cap tallies. The first such establishment was set up in the Belfast Custom House. Later, Belfast Castle was taken over and included a radio station. There were depth charge pistol and Hedgehog repair workshops associated with HMS "Caroline", some of which would have been on the quays beside her berth in Milewater Basin.