HMQS Otter
| Otter in 1946 Otter in 1946 | |
| Career (Queensland and Australia) |  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
