History & Modifications
Australia:
In late 1914 Australia was flagship of the combined Australian and New Zealand force hunting for
Admiral von Spee. In March 1915, a single 3" Mk I AA gun was added. By 1916, one of the torpedo tubes
had been removed and in June 1917 a 4" Mk VII was added. In 1918 she was fitted with catapults on both
amidships turrets for a Sopwith Camel and a Sopwith 1½-Strutter.
In January 1920, both the Mk VII and Mk I guns were replaced by two 4" Mk V guns. Under the 1922
Washington Treaty she was considered excess tonnage and was ceremonially scuttled off Sydney Head on
12th April 1924.