HMS J4 facts for kids
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HMAS J4 in 1919
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS J4 |
| Builder | HM Dockyard, Pembroke Dock |
| Launched | 2 February 1916 |
| Fate | Transferred to Australia, 25 March 1919 |
| History | |
| Australia |
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| Name | HMAS J4 |
| Acquired | 25 March 1919 |
| Decommissioned | 12 July 1922 |
| Fate | Sunk 1927 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | British J class submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length | 275 ft (84 m) |
| Beam | 22 ft (6.7 m) |
| Draught | 14 ft (4.3 m) |
| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range | 4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) at 12 kn (22 km/h; 14 mph) |
| Test depth | 300 ft (91 m) max |
| Complement | 44 personnel |
| Armament |
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HMS J4 (which later became HMAS J4) was a special type of submarine. It was part of the J-class submarines. This submarine served in two navies: first the Royal Navy (Britain's navy) and then the Royal Australian Navy.
Contents
Building and Features of the J4 Submarine
How the J-Class Submarines Were Designed
The Royal Navy created the J-class submarines. They wanted submarines that could travel faster on the surface. Each J-class submarine was quite large. It weighed about 1,210 tons when on the surface. When it was underwater, it weighed about 1,820 tons.
Size and Speed of the J4
The J4 was about 275 feet (84 m) long. That's like having two and a half basketball courts end-to-end! It was 22 feet (6.7 m) wide and went about 14 feet (4.3 m) deep in the water. These submarines were unique because they had three propellers. This was the only time British submarines were built this way.
How the J4 Moved
When on the surface, the J4 used three powerful diesel engines. When it went underwater, it switched to electric motors powered by batteries. It was very fast for its time. It could go up to 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph) (about 35 kilometers per hour) on the surface. This made it one of the fastest submarines in the world back then! Underwater, it could reach 9.5 knots (17.6 km/h; 10.9 mph) (about 17.5 kilometers per hour). It could travel about 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) (over 7,400 kilometers) without needing to refuel.
Weapons on Board
The J4 had six torpedo tubes. These tubes launched torpedoes, which are like underwater missiles. Four tubes were at the front, and one was on each side. It also had a 4 in (102 mm) gun on its deck. This gun was first placed on a raised platform. Later, it was moved to the front of the conning tower (the submarine's control room) and streamlined into the ship's design. The submarine needed 44 crew members to operate it.
Where the J4 Was Built
J4 was built in Wales. It was constructed at HM Dockyard in Pembroke Dock. It was officially launched into the water on February 2, 1916.
J4's Time in Service
After World War I, the British government wanted to help protect the Pacific Ocean. They decided to give six of their J-class submarines, including J4, to the Royal Australian Navy as gifts. This was a big deal!
In April 1919, J4 and its sister submarines officially joined the Australian Navy. They began a long journey to Australia on April 9. They traveled with two cruisers, Sydney and Brisbane, and a support ship, Platypus. The group arrived in Thursday Island on June 29 and then in Sydney on July 10. Because the submarines had traveled so far, they needed repairs right away.
Life in Australia
On February 10, 1920, J4 and another submarine, J1, sailed to Geelong. A special base for submarines was set up there. The submarines didn't see much action. They mostly did local training exercises. In 1921, they made one visit to Tasmania.
By June 1922, keeping the submarines running became very expensive. Also, the economy was not doing well. So, all six J-class submarines were taken out of service. They were then marked to be sold.
What Happened to the J4
The J4 was officially taken out of service on July 12, 1922. It was sold on February 26, 1924. However, it sank while it was tied up at its dock in Williamstown, Victoria on July 10, 1924.
Later, the J4 was raised from the water. It was then intentionally sunk again. This time, it was scuttled (sunk on purpose) in a special area called a ship graveyard. This area is off the coast of Port Phillip Heads.
Today, the wreck of J4 is still there. It's also known as the "Shallow" or "90 foot Submarine." It rests in about 27 metres (89 ft) of water. It has become a popular spot for people who enjoy diving.
