HMAS Torrens (D67) - Operational History

Operational History

After entering service, Torrens and sister ship Swan were assigned to the British Far East Patrol. From September 1916 to May 1917, Torrens operated throughout the Malay archipelago. In June, the destroyer docked at Singapore for refit. On conclusion, Torrens and the other five River class vessels sailed for the Mediterranean. After escorting a convoy from Port Said to Malta, and refits at the island, Torrens was assigned to Brindisi as part of the anti-submarine patrol force. The heavy but monotonous workload forced the destroyer to visit Malta in December for another refit.

On the night of 22–23 April 1919, Torrens was one of six Allied ships patrolling the Adriatic. A force of five Austrian destroyers attacked, seriously damaging the British destroyers Hornet and Jackal before retreating faster than the Allied ships could pursue. Apart from a brief refit at Messina in September–October, Torrens remained in the region until the end of World War I. Her wartime service was later recognised with the battle honour "Adriatic 1917–18". After returning to Australia in May 1919, Torrens was involved in routine duties.