HMQS Otter

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Otter in 1946
Otter in 1946
Career (Queensland and Australia) RN ensign Flag of Queensland
Builder: Ramage and Ferguson
Launched: 19 July 1884
In service: 1884
Out of service: 1906
Reinstated: WW I and WW II
Homeport: Brisbane, Queensland
Fate: Scrapped 1946
General characteristics
Displacement: 220 tons
Speed: 12 knots
Armament: 1 x 5 inch gun (later 1 x 64 pdr)

HMQS Otter was a patrol vessel that served with the Queensland Maritime Defence Force and Commonwealth Naval Forces. She was subsequently requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy in both world wars.

Following the Jervois-Scratchley reports the colonial governments of Australia restructured their defence forces. This process led to the formation of the Queensland Maritime Defence Force. To equip the new force the colonial government initially ordered two gunboats and a torpedo boat. As an interim measure as well as to supplement the purpose built warships it was decided that other ships already under construction be modified for military use.

HMQS Otter was originally designed as a tug. For military service she was fitted with a single 5 inch gun allowing her to operate as an auxiliary. In this capacity she performed tender duties as well as conducting patrols. Following federation she was transferred to the Commonwealth but served only until 1906 when she was paid off.

Otter was requisitioned during World War I by the Royal Australian Navy for service as an examination vessel. In World War II, she again served as an examination vessel but only until December 1940. Otter was returned to private operations on Moreton Bay, and was scrapped in 1946.

See also

Bibliography

  • Warships of Australia, Ross Gillett, Illustrations Colin Graham, Rigby Limited, 1977, ISBN 0-7270-0472-7