HMAS ECHUCA was launched at Williamstown Naval Dockyard, VIC. The lugger, HMAS ST. FRANCIS, (LEUT (Brother) Andrew Smith, RANVR), sighted a Japanese submarine on the surface off Melville Island. In 1914 the ST. FRANCIS, a 15 metre mission lugger was blown 400 miles out into the Indian Ocean on her maiden voyage and was found by HMAS SYDNEY. HMS QUEENBOROUGH later HMAS QUEENBOROUGH, was launched at Swan and Hunter’s Yard, England. CAPT J. A. Collins, CB, was appointed Commodore Commanding China Force.