Honouring the Men who gave their lives whilst serving in the Merchant Navy
and whose names are on the Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
and whose names are on the Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
S.S. WOLLONGBAR (Sydney)
WW2
WW2
The SS Wollongbar departed Byron Bay on April 28, 1943 with a cargo of butter and bacon. It was torpedoed the next day by a Japanese submarine north of Point Plomer and sank.
A - K
Daily Examiner (Grafton, N.S.W.) 22-11-1945
S.S. Wollongbar Sunk
By Torpedoes
(BY W. J. MASON, CHIEF OFFICER OF S.S. WOLLONGBAR.)
S.S. Wollongbar left Byron Bay, New South Wales, for Sydney about 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 1943. We had a cargo, of butter, sugar and bacon. It was 10.15 a.m. when I poured myself a cup of tea in the wireless
room, but instead of sitting down and having it in comfort I went out on the bridge and joined the skipper. I never got a chance to drink the tea as a voice in Scotch accent bawled out, "Look out, sub."
We gazed seaward and saw a conning tower in a big swirl of water, not more . than 500 yards away. A torpedo was already on its way. You could both hear and see it, as it appeared to be coming at us very erratically, jumping and zig-zagging. The skipper bawled, "Look out for yourselves, boys." He went down the port ladder. The look out man also left the bridge. Roy Brown, A.B., remained, at the wheel. I tried to push the automatic alarm in the wheel house, but as I did so the torpedo struck us just forward of the bridge with a terrific thud. Roy Brown hurried down the starboard ladder. I hung on to the bridge dodger ridge rope to see what was going to happen. I then noticed another torpedo coming from the same angle. I moved across the bridge holding, on to the ridge rope, thinking starboard would be the high side, when the ship suddenly exploded with a thunderous crash. I came to swimming in the water, but it seemed to be getting darker instead of lighter, when all of a sudden I was breathing fresh air and seeing daylight again. One of the survivors informed me later on in hospital that I shot out of the water like a jack-in-the-box. I endeavoured to secure a piece of flotsam, which I remember, was a case of butter. With its aid I reached a lifebuoy, but if some one had offered me the first prize in a lottery I could not get into it by the right method. I was scared stiff to sink under it, and had not strength to put my arms over it and throw it over my head. So I just put one arm around it, treaded water for awhile and hoped for the best. Fortunately, I was not far away from one of the lifeboats. I made my way to it and held with grim determination on to the beckets below its broken gunwale, having a fair rest before attempting to pull myself into the boat, which was full of water. I recognised Frank Emson, greaser, laying across the bow.
He murmured, "I cannot help you." I well knew that he could not. If ever a chap fought to live, it was Emson.
The skin was hanging from his hands and fingers. He wanted a drink, but his lips were swollen. His eyes were closed most of the time. The smoke and mist were slowly rolling away. A Yank bomber was flying low. Much to my delight I noticed a raft paddling towards us. On it I recognised the only two sailors saved, Roy Brown, who had been at the wheel, and Pat Tehan. They were hale and hearty."Where do we go from here?" they asked. But when they saw Frank Emson I noticed a depressed feeling getting hold of them.We decided to lift Emson from the boat and place him on the raft, which was in perfect condition. There was no life visible anywhere. We came across several rafts, but they did not appear to have anyone aboard. The raft with Emson was tied astern. Soon we sighted a man on a raft waving a piece of whitewood. We shipped the oars the best way possible and went after him. He proved to be Fireman Blinkhorn, of Lane Cove. This man had a miraculous escape. When we picked him up his clothes were still dry. He told us that he was thrown by the explosion out of a bunker and landed on a raft in the condition we found him, quite happy and unhurt.
Blinkhorn was put on the raft to look after Emson, and his own raft cast adrift. As we had frequent visits from various types of planes we knew that our position was known and that assistance would come. One plane kept signalling us to that effect, and we answered O.K. by semaphore. We searched two other rafts which were near at hand for survivors, and kept in the middle of thousands of cases of butter float-about, but because of a slight
swell with an occasional white rip or break the chances were very small, for after searching in vain for about an hour and a half, I suggested to my companions that if they were satisfied there were no more men alive or dead to be seen we should endeavour to reach land before dark.We thus pulled for the shore in a boat which had several damaged planks missing.We considered our chances of getting ashore before dark were very poor, although our pull was less than six miles. -We still had another two miles to go when we were picked up at 3.45 p.m. by Tom and Claude Radleigh, fishermen, with their launch X.L.C R. Emson was taken from the raft and put to bed. No time was to be lost if we were to reach port before dark. No cup of tea ever tasted better than the one the crew of the fishing launch made us. It was just sunset when we crossed the bar at Port Macquarie. The Red Cross had made arrangements to receive a far bigger complement than five survivors. Emson was rushed to hospital,and the remaining four were given a bath and dry clothes,and then examined by a doctor. The V.A.D.'s were wonderful to us; I soon joined Emson in hospital, suffering minor injuries and shock. The two sailors and one fireman were allowed to return to Sydney after a good night's rest.Before leaving hospital ten days later, I had the pleasure of knowing that Emson's sight would not be effected, and that he was well on the way to recovery. No bodies were ever recovered of the other 34 men of the ship's complement.
S.S. Wollongbar Sunk
By Torpedoes
(BY W. J. MASON, CHIEF OFFICER OF S.S. WOLLONGBAR.)
S.S. Wollongbar left Byron Bay, New South Wales, for Sydney about 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 1943. We had a cargo, of butter, sugar and bacon. It was 10.15 a.m. when I poured myself a cup of tea in the wireless
room, but instead of sitting down and having it in comfort I went out on the bridge and joined the skipper. I never got a chance to drink the tea as a voice in Scotch accent bawled out, "Look out, sub."
We gazed seaward and saw a conning tower in a big swirl of water, not more . than 500 yards away. A torpedo was already on its way. You could both hear and see it, as it appeared to be coming at us very erratically, jumping and zig-zagging. The skipper bawled, "Look out for yourselves, boys." He went down the port ladder. The look out man also left the bridge. Roy Brown, A.B., remained, at the wheel. I tried to push the automatic alarm in the wheel house, but as I did so the torpedo struck us just forward of the bridge with a terrific thud. Roy Brown hurried down the starboard ladder. I hung on to the bridge dodger ridge rope to see what was going to happen. I then noticed another torpedo coming from the same angle. I moved across the bridge holding, on to the ridge rope, thinking starboard would be the high side, when the ship suddenly exploded with a thunderous crash. I came to swimming in the water, but it seemed to be getting darker instead of lighter, when all of a sudden I was breathing fresh air and seeing daylight again. One of the survivors informed me later on in hospital that I shot out of the water like a jack-in-the-box. I endeavoured to secure a piece of flotsam, which I remember, was a case of butter. With its aid I reached a lifebuoy, but if some one had offered me the first prize in a lottery I could not get into it by the right method. I was scared stiff to sink under it, and had not strength to put my arms over it and throw it over my head. So I just put one arm around it, treaded water for awhile and hoped for the best. Fortunately, I was not far away from one of the lifeboats. I made my way to it and held with grim determination on to the beckets below its broken gunwale, having a fair rest before attempting to pull myself into the boat, which was full of water. I recognised Frank Emson, greaser, laying across the bow.
He murmured, "I cannot help you." I well knew that he could not. If ever a chap fought to live, it was Emson.
The skin was hanging from his hands and fingers. He wanted a drink, but his lips were swollen. His eyes were closed most of the time. The smoke and mist were slowly rolling away. A Yank bomber was flying low. Much to my delight I noticed a raft paddling towards us. On it I recognised the only two sailors saved, Roy Brown, who had been at the wheel, and Pat Tehan. They were hale and hearty."Where do we go from here?" they asked. But when they saw Frank Emson I noticed a depressed feeling getting hold of them.We decided to lift Emson from the boat and place him on the raft, which was in perfect condition. There was no life visible anywhere. We came across several rafts, but they did not appear to have anyone aboard. The raft with Emson was tied astern. Soon we sighted a man on a raft waving a piece of whitewood. We shipped the oars the best way possible and went after him. He proved to be Fireman Blinkhorn, of Lane Cove. This man had a miraculous escape. When we picked him up his clothes were still dry. He told us that he was thrown by the explosion out of a bunker and landed on a raft in the condition we found him, quite happy and unhurt.
Blinkhorn was put on the raft to look after Emson, and his own raft cast adrift. As we had frequent visits from various types of planes we knew that our position was known and that assistance would come. One plane kept signalling us to that effect, and we answered O.K. by semaphore. We searched two other rafts which were near at hand for survivors, and kept in the middle of thousands of cases of butter float-about, but because of a slight
swell with an occasional white rip or break the chances were very small, for after searching in vain for about an hour and a half, I suggested to my companions that if they were satisfied there were no more men alive or dead to be seen we should endeavour to reach land before dark.We thus pulled for the shore in a boat which had several damaged planks missing.We considered our chances of getting ashore before dark were very poor, although our pull was less than six miles. -We still had another two miles to go when we were picked up at 3.45 p.m. by Tom and Claude Radleigh, fishermen, with their launch X.L.C R. Emson was taken from the raft and put to bed. No time was to be lost if we were to reach port before dark. No cup of tea ever tasted better than the one the crew of the fishing launch made us. It was just sunset when we crossed the bar at Port Macquarie. The Red Cross had made arrangements to receive a far bigger complement than five survivors. Emson was rushed to hospital,and the remaining four were given a bath and dry clothes,and then examined by a doctor. The V.A.D.'s were wonderful to us; I soon joined Emson in hospital, suffering minor injuries and shock. The two sailors and one fireman were allowed to return to Sydney after a good night's rest.Before leaving hospital ten days later, I had the pleasure of knowing that Emson's sight would not be effected, and that he was well on the way to recovery. No bodies were ever recovered of the other 34 men of the ship's complement.
Chief Engineer Officer William ANDERSON
Born: Glasgow, Scotland Australian Merchant Navy Date of Engagement 2-6-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Died 29-4-1943 at Sea, aged 63years Son of Archibald and Margaret Anderson Husband of Mary Anderson, of Five Dock, New South Wales. Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 8 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll |
Able Seaman George ARCHIBALD
Born: Trinity, Edinburgh, Scotland Australian Merchant Navy Date of Engagement 16-9-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Died 29-4-1943, aged 46years Bronze Sea Gallantry Medal. Son of George and Alexandrina Sinclair Archibald Husband of Dorothy Archibald. Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 9 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll |
Able Seaman Harold Edmund BARTON
Born: Sydney, N.S.W. Date of Engagement 8-8-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Killed in Action 29-4-1943 at Sea (Coff's Harbour, New South Wales, Australia) aged 31years Son of Harold Burnett Barton and Violet Barton Husband of Margery Florence Barton, of Bankstown, New South Wales. Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 9 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll |
Master Charles Theodore BENSON
Born: Sydney, N.S.W. Date of Engagement 13-6-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Occupation: Master Mariner, Northbridge, N.S.W. Died 29-4-1943 at Sea, aged 59years Son of James and Caroline Benson Husband of Eileen Pearl Mabel Benson, of Northbridge, New South Wales. Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 8 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll The Sydney Morning Herald (N.S.W.) 5-6-1943
BENSON -Lost by enemy action Captain Charles, Merchant Navy dearly loved brother of Myrtle (Mrs Paterson) Lillian (Mrs Hughes) Sadly missed. |
Able Seaman Olof Victor CARLSON
Born: Sweden Date of Engagement 18-2-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Died 29-4-1943 aged 61years Son of Carl and Christina Christenson Carlson Husband of Amy Constance Carlson, of Balmain, New South Wales. Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 9 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll The Sydney Morning Herald (N.S.W.) 10-5-1943
CARLSON.—Lost at sea. result of enemy action, Olof, beloved husband of Amy, 6 Ewell Street. Balmain. Loved by all. |
Able Seaman Noel Forde CROXFORD
Born: Sydney, N.S.W. Date of Engagement 9-3-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Died 29-4-1943 at sea aged 27years Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 9 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll The Sydney Morning Herald (N.S.W.) 22-5-1943
CROXFORD -April 29 at sea in Merchant Navy as result of enemy action Noel Forde beloved son of George and Della Croxford of Croydon and brother of Harry, Marjorie, Leonard, Edgar, Maurice and Marie aged 26 years. |
Chief Steward John DALTON
Born: Adelaide, Sth. Aust. Date of Engagement 21-2-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Died 29-4-1943, aged 60years Son of John and Kathleen Dalton Husband of Helen Frances Dalton, of Woollahra, New South Wales. Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 8 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll The Sydney Morning Herald (N.S.W.) 7-5-1943
DALTON. - John beloved husband of Helen, 33 Grosvenor street, Woollahra, lost at sea, enemy action. R.I.P. |
Third Engineer Officer James Robert DURIE
Born: Melbourne, Victoria Date of Engagement 17-6-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Also served in Merchant Navy as Marine Engineer 1914-1918 War Died: 29-4-1943, aged 48years Son of George and Alice Durie Husband of Christina Durie, of Haberfield, New South Wales. His son, Kenneth James Durie, perished with him. Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 8 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll Deck Boy Kenneth James DURIE Born: Haberfield, Sydney, N.S.W. Date of Engagement 23-3-1943, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Died 29-4-1943, aged 17years His father (above) perished with him Son of James Robert and Christina Durie, of Haberfield, New South Wales Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 8 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll |
Northern Star (Lismore, N.S.W.) 8-5-1943
Father And Son Die Together
SYDNEY, Friday. — Tragedy struck cruelly at the Durie family, of Haberfield, when a father and son died together as their ship was torpedoed off the Australian coast.
The son had always been keen about the sea and had not long joined his father Third Engineer James Durie, of Haberfield.
The West Australian (Perth, W.A.) 11-6-1943
DURIE. --In loving memory of James and Ken, who were lost at sea May 1 1943; fond son and grandson of Mrs Durie and the late Geo Durie, of 157 Railway-parade; Maylands.
Deeply regretted.
Father And Son Die Together
SYDNEY, Friday. — Tragedy struck cruelly at the Durie family, of Haberfield, when a father and son died together as their ship was torpedoed off the Australian coast.
The son had always been keen about the sea and had not long joined his father Third Engineer James Durie, of Haberfield.
The West Australian (Perth, W.A.) 11-6-1943
DURIE. --In loving memory of James and Ken, who were lost at sea May 1 1943; fond son and grandson of Mrs Durie and the late Geo Durie, of 157 Railway-parade; Maylands.
Deeply regretted.
Fireman Max Oscar ENKE
Born: Germany Australian Merchant Navy Date of Engagement 29-5-1942, Sydney, N.S.W. Died 29-4-1943 at sea aged 49years Husband of Isabella Enke, of Sydney, New South Wales. Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 10 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll |
Ordinary Seaman William Morton GAMEL
Also known as W M Gamble Australian Merchant Navy Born: Pyrmont, N.S.W. Died 29-4-1943, aged 19years Son of William and Kathleen Gamel, of Bondi Junction, New South Wales Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 9 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll The Sydney Morning Herald (N.S.W.) 15-5-1943
GAMEL (Gamble)-April 29 through enemy action Merchant Navy, Billy beloved only son of Kit and the late William Gamel, 1st AIF and much beloved brother of Joyce, 4 Sussex Flats, James Street Bondi Junction aged 18 years 9 months. |
Boatswain / Bosun James Hunter GRAY
Born: Scotland Australian Merchant Navy Date of Engagement 4-7-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Died 29-4-1943 at sea aged 61years Husband of Annie Gray, of South Hurstville, New South Wales. Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 9 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll |
Fireman William James HEMMINGS
Born: Kent, England Date of Engagement 10-3-1943, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Died 29-4-1943 (off Crescent Head, New South Wales, Australia) aged 56years Son of William and Ada Hemmings Husband of Matilda Hemmings, of Rozelle, New South Wales. Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 10 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll |
Steward Frederick Arthur KNAPP
Born: London, England Date of Engagement 1-9-1939, Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Died 29-4-1943 at sea aged 47years Son of Alfred Edward and Camilla Blanche Knapp Husband of Rose Alice Knapp, of St. Peters, New South Wales. Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel9 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll The Sydney Morning Herald (N.S.W.) 12-5-1943
KNAPP.—April 29. 1943, through enemy action Merchant Navy, Frederick, beloved husband of Rose, 88 Grove Street. St. Peters. |
Donkeyman James Alfred KNIGHT
Born: Sydney, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Died 29-4-1943 aged 29years Son of Albert Thomas Knight and Elizabeth Susanah Knight Husband of Mary Georgina Knight, of Vaucluse, New South Wales. Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 10 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll |
The Sydney Morning Herald (N.S.W.) 19-6-1943
KNIGHT.—April 29, lost at sea by enemy action, James Alfred (Merchant Navy), dearly beloved husband of Mary, of No 1 Young Street, Vaucluse, and devoted father of Patricia and Georgina aged 29 years. Deeply mourned.
KNIGHT.—April 29 lost at sea by enemy action, James A., Merchant Navy beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Knight of Rose Bay, and loved brother of Bert, Hilda, Jess, George, Thomas, Alice, Ernie (M. N. ), and Jean, and loved brother-in-law of Les, Angus, Dawn, Coll, John (M. N. ) Maurice (A. I. F.).
KNIGHT.—April 29, lost at sea by enemy action, James Alfred (Merchant Navy), dearly beloved husband of Mary, of No 1 Young Street, Vaucluse, and devoted father of Patricia and Georgina aged 29 years. Deeply mourned.
KNIGHT.—April 29 lost at sea by enemy action, James A., Merchant Navy beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Knight of Rose Bay, and loved brother of Bert, Hilda, Jess, George, Thomas, Alice, Ernie (M. N. ), and Jean, and loved brother-in-law of Les, Angus, Dawn, Coll, John (M. N. ) Maurice (A. I. F.).
Fourth Engineer Officer Brian Trevor KOLLIAS
Born: Marrickville, N.S.W. Australian Merchant Navy Died 29-4-1943 aged 27years Son of Hector John and Minnie Ruby Kollias Husband of Barbara Kollias, of Maroubra, New South Wales. Honoured: Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales - Panel 8 Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll The West Australian (Perth) 14-51943
KOLLIAS-ln proud and loving memory of Brian Trevor (Mick) (Engineer. Merchant Navy); aged 26 years, lost at sea. April 29 1943. result of enemy action; beloved brother of Norm (AIF), brother-in-law of Edna. uncle of Normie. A place is vacant in our hearts Which never can be filled. |