[1] Propulsion was provided by a three-cylinder vertical triple expansion steam engine developing 1,400 horsepower (1,000 kW) and driving twin screws.

[9] Fantome was commissioned at Sheerness Dockyard on 5 June 1902 by Commander Hugh Thomas Hibbert, with a complement of 113 officers and men, for service on the North America and West Indies Station.

[12] While serving on the North America and West Indies Station in late 1902 and early 1903, she took part in enforcing a blockade of the Venezuelan coast, where the Royal Navy contingent was led by Commodore Montgomerie in Charybdis.

[13] Conditions aboard were hot and cramped, vermin were rife, supplies were of low quality, and in 1916, the sloop was plagued with influenza; at one point only 19 of the 88 enlisted personnel were fit for duty.

[14] In addition, the ship's commanding officer was both a strict disciplinarian and had little understanding of disciplinary regulations, and had been advised on several occasions that he had overstepped boundaries.

[15] In mid 1917, the commanding officer initiated drilling practice, which was seen as an additional hardship by the sailors, particularly the overworked engine room personnel.

[20] An inquiry concluded that the age and condition of the sloop was inappropriate for the expected duties, and the ship was marked for replacement at earliest opportunity.