HMAS Fantome

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

HMS Fantome prior to 1909

HMAS Fantome was an Espeigel class sloop laid down for the Royal Navy by HM Dockyard at Sheerness in Kent in 1901. HMS Fantome was operated by the Royal Navy Survey Service and conducted survey operations in Australian waters from 1907 until the outbreak of war in 1914. HMS Fantome was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy on 27 November 1914 but was paid off in February 1915.

HMAS Fantome was recommissioned On 27 July 1915 as a patrol vessel armed with two 4-inch and four 12-pounder guns. From September 1915 to September 1917 she operated in the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea as part of the Far East Patrol. From late 1917 HMAS Fantome was based at Suva, Fiji and operated in the South Pacific performing police duties.

HMAS Fantome paid off on 14 January 1919 and was returned to the Royal Navy in April 1920 for service as a survey ship. In this role she remained in Australian waters until she was paid off for disposal in April 1924.