ENCOUNTER H.M.A.S.

"H.M.A.S. Encounter", a Challenger class twin screw second class protected cruiser. Laid downon 28th January 1901 and launched on 18th June 1902. In later years was given light cruiser status. She arrived in Australian waters in early 1906 to serve on station. On 1st july 1912 she was loaned to and commissioned into the RAN as a sea going training ship to undertake this duty until "Brisbane" was completed. The ship served in the Great war as a combatant, initially in New Guinea, where she captured the German steamer "Zambesi" on 12 August 1914. She subsequently served around Fiji, Borneo, Hong Kong and in the Indian Ocean. On 1st January 1923 she was renamed "Penguin" as a depot and receiving ship in Sydney, was paid off on 15th August 1929. On 14th September 1932 she was scuttled by Navy gunfire off Sydney. Tonnage: 5,800 Dimensions; length 355'0", breadth 56'0", draught 20'3" Speed: 21 knots Complement: 475 Armament: 11 x 6", 8 x 3", 6 x 3pdrs, 2 x 18" TT. Refer - "Australian & New Zealand Warships by Ross Gillett. This image has two sepia photographs attached to rear of mounting which apppear to be of World War 1 soldiers in uniform