HMS J5 (later HMAS J5) was a First World War operated by the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
Design and construction
The J class was designed by the Royal Navy in response to reported German submarines with surface speeds over . They had a displacement of 1,210 tons surfaced, and 1,820 tons submerged. J5 was launched on 9 September 1915 and commissioned on 6 May 1916.
Operational history
She and the other Js were members of the 11th Submarine Flotilla. She served in the North Sea chiefly in operations against German destroyers and U-boats, most of encounters were with the latter. Although engaging several times with enemies, the closest she got to sinking the enemy was striking with a torpedo which did not explode.
After the war, the British Admiralty decided that the best way to protect the Pacific region was with a force of submarines and cruisers.