AUSTRALIA H.M.A.S. - 1913

One of three Indefatigable Class Battlecruisers, H..M.A.S. "Australia" was built in 1913 at Clydebank by John Brown & Co. (sister ship to Indefatigable and New Zealand) She was the first flagship of the R.A.N. and 5took part in the war in the Pacific during World War 1 and in pursuit of Admiral Count Von Spee's German Squadron. Later joined the British Grnad Fleet in the North Sea. On 18th December 1917, Flt. Lt. Fox successfully flew an aircraft off her deck, believed to be the first time on record. She was scuttled 24 miles off Sydney heads on Sat 24th April 1924, in accordance with the terms of the Washington Treaty. Displacement: 19,200 tons Armament: 8 x 12" guns and 6 x 4" guns, 4 x 3 par, 5 x M.G. Dimensions: length 590', breadth 80', draught 30' Tubes: 2 x 18" submerged. Machinery: Parsons turbines 43,000 S.H.P. Speed: 25 knots Radius: 6,300 miles at 10 knots Complement: 820 Cost: 2000000 pounds Refer - "Warships Of Australia" by Gillett - Graham.