Showing 641 items
matching war in the pacific
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B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Norden M9 Bombsight, Norden Bombsight Company, 1945
... Used in Pacific War during WWII... Farm Rd & Princes Highway Werribee melbourne Used in Pacific ...Used in Pacific War during WWIIBlack covered Electro Mechanical analogue computer with small indicator dials with two divisional connected boxes. Mounts on Minneapolis Honeywell 'stabilizer' unit.Minneapolis Type G1029 A3CAZ HZ 26 Volts DC CV. Serial No. C-24825 B3430 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
A4 Document - Distinguished Flying Medal Register WWII, The Distinguished Flying Medal Register WWII, 1940s
... Star. Pacific Star. War Medals - Defence Medal, War Medal 1939.... Campaign Stars 1939-45 Star. Aircrew Europe Star. Pacific Star. War ...Frecker carried out 7 sorties before joining the unit and 21 successful sorties with his squadron making a total of 179.4 hours operational flying. He was attacked and badly damaged by a night fighter on 12 April 1942, after attacking Essen. He brought his aircraft home and successfully crash-landed away from base without causing injury to his crew. Throughout his tour of operations he maintained a high degree of courage and skill.The Distinguished Flying Medal Register WWII. Flight Lt Frecker, Mason Day. Campaign Stars 1939-45 Star. Aircrew Europe Star. Pacific Star. War Medals - Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45.a22.02 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Frecker's Medals (Replicas), 1940s
... Replica Pacific Star, Campaign Stars and War Medals 1939-45... Pacific Star, Campaign Stars and War Medals 1939-45. Aircrew ...Replica Pacific Star, Campaign Stars and War Medals 1939-45. Aircrew Europe Star. Defence Medal 1939-45. Awarded to Mason Day Frecker.a22.03 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Map - British World War II silk map of Sumatra (South) and Java (Extreme North West), 1944
Silk and rayon maps were produced by Great Britain (some 1.75 million in total), the United States (c.7.5 million) and Australia during World War II. They were issued to Allied military personnel as part of 'escape and evasion' kits.This map, printed on rayon, is an original British 'escape and evasion' kit map from World War II.A multi-coloured, contoured, double-sided map printed on rayon, 1944 Series South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and Asia Sheet G Sumatra (South) and Java (Extreme North West) and, on the reverse, Sheet H Borneo (South West), Java and Sumatra (Extreme South)world war ii, silk maps, great britain, a187 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Map - US World War II-coloured map, - Southwest Pacific Area, No.22 Southwestern, No.26 East Java, No.25 Timor, 1943
... US World War II-coloured map, - Southwest Pacific Area, No... US World War II-coloured map, - Southwest Pacific Area, No.22 ...Silk and rayon maps were produced by the United States (c. 7.5 million in total), Great Britain (some 1.75 million in total) and Australia during World War II. They were issued to Allied military personnel as part of 'escape and evasion' kits.This map, printed on acetate rayon, is an original US 'escape and evasion' kit map from World War II.A multi-coloured, contoured, double-sided map printed on acetate rayon AAF Cloth Map - Southwest Pacific Area Side 1 - No. 22 Southwestern and No. 26 East Java Side 2 - No. 25 Timorworld war ii, silk maps, united states of america, a188 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Map - US World War II multi-coloured map- Southwest Pacific Area, No. 23 North Celebes, No. 24 South Celebes, 1942-1943
... US World War II multi-coloured map- Southwest Pacific Area... War II multi-coloured map- Southwest Pacific Area, No. 23 ...Silk and rayon maps were produced by the United States (c. 7.5 million in total), Great Britain (some 1.75 million in total) and Australia during World War II. They were issued to Allied military personnel as part of 'escape and evasion' kits.This map, printed on acetate rayon, is an original US 'escape and evasion' kit map from World War II.A multi-coloured, contoured, double-sided map printed on acetate rayon AAF Cloth Map - Southwest Pacific Area Side 1 - No. 23 North Celebes Side 2 - No. 24 South Celebesworld war ii, silk maps, united states of america, a189 -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Oral History, RAAF Service History of Sqn. Ldr. Richard F. Overheu DFC & Bar, 1999-2000
R. Overheu was in the RAAF from August 1940 until October 1945 and was a B-24 Liberator pilot between March 1943 and October 1945 in 380 Sqn. then 24 Sqn.This oral history is historical significance because it provides at first hand an account of the individual's experiences during World War II as a member of the RAAF. He trained at Point Cook and in Tasmania and saw active service during the Pacific conflict flying B-24 Liberator aircraft from Darwin.Paper printed transcript with plastic coverRAAF SERVICE HISTORY OF SQN. LDR. RICHARD F. OVERHEU DFC AND BAR U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CITATION RECORDED 1999-2000oral history raaf world war ii -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Oral History, My RAAF Experience by Keith R.E. Johnston, 1980's
K. Johnston was in the RAAF from September 1941 until December 1945 and was a B-24 Liberator pilot between 1942 and December 1945. He was attached to Fifth Bomber Command USAF the 12 Squadron RAAF.This oral history of Keith Johnston is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of this individual's experiences during World War II as a member of the RAAF who trained at Bradfield Park Sydney and Bundaberg and saw active service during the Pacific conflict flying B-24 Liberator aircraft in New Guinea and Darwin.A4 paper printed transcript, stapled in cornerMy RAAF Experience by R.E.Johnston, photo of 12 Squadron RAAF badge, Flight Lieutenant 12 Squadron RAAForal history raaf world war ii -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Oral History, Momograoh of Activities 1944/1945 Russell (Buck) Rogers
R. Rogers was in the RAAF from 1944 until December 1945 and was a B-24 Liberator Ball Turret Gunner between July 1944 and December 1945 with 23 Squadron RAAF.This oral history of Russell Rogers is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of the individual's experience during World War II.As a member of the RAAF he saw active service in the Pacific conflict in a B-24 Liberator aircraft from Leyburn,Fenton,Morotai and Balikpapan.A4 paper printed transcript in plastic cover.B.24 Liberator R.A.A.F. 23 Squadron Heavy Bomber. Monograph of Activities 1944/1945, Russell (Buck) Rogers. Warrant Officer 58413. Ball Turret Gunneroral history raaf world war ii -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Oral History, Ed Crabtree and John Temby War TimeFlying Experiences, August 2014
E. Crabtree was in the RAAF from February 1940 until May 1946 and was a B-24 Liberator pilot and instructor between October 1943 and March 1946.This oral history of E.Crabtree is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of the individuals experience during World War II as a member of the RAAF who trained at Benalla and Point Cook. He saw active service in the Pacific conflict flying B-24 Liberator aircraft from Darwin. He is the second last person to fly B-24 Liberator A72-176 and has been involved in the restoration of the same aircraft since 1986.Printed label DVD disc in plastic cover.Three photos. Ed Crabtree and John Temby recount the restoration of Liberator A72-176 and share some of their war time experiences with David Smith. Interview recorded in August 2014. iA imaginACTIONoral history raaf world war ii -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Oral History, Alan Scarlett Story, 2014
Alan Scarlett was in the RAAF from 18/08/1943 until February 1946 and was a B-24 Liberator gunner between the end of 1943 and September 1945 with 21 Squadron.The oral history of Alan Scarlett is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of the individual's experience during World War II as a member of the RAAF who trained at Tocumwal, Nhill and Leyburn. He saw active service in the Pacific conflict from Fenton and Morotai as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator. He was also air-crew during the repatriation of former World War II prisoners or war in 1945.A4 paper hand written transcript of 5 pagesBlack and white print of a B-24 Liberator at the top of the page. Werribee Liberator Restoration Visit. Neerim Men's Shed. Sunday 16th March 2014. -
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc
Map Book, Air Pilot Manual of the Pacific Islands, 3.1.1944
... flying in the South Pacific war zone during WW11... Pacific war zone during WW11 Kept up to date and confidential maps ...Part of pilot equipment to be carried at all times whilst flying in the South Pacific war zone during WW11Kept up to date and confidential maps for landing areas on all Pacific Islands in case of emergencyLarge linen covered paper map bookAir Pilot Manual of the PACIFIC ISLANDS, confidential, No.4860, 2nd Issue. Office of the ASSISTANT CHIEF OF AIR STAFF INTELLIGENCE Headquarters Army Air Forces, Washington D.C. January 3rd 1944. -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Parry, Francis FBox Col. (Ret), Three-War Marine: The Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, 1987
... Three-War Marine: The Pacific, Korea, Vietnam.... to a makeshift artillery course. Three-War Marine: The Pacific, Korea ...upon graduating from Annapolis in February, Francis Fox Parry and his classmates were sent directly to a makeshift artillery course.upon graduating from Annapolis in February, Francis Fox Parry and his classmates were sent directly to a makeshift artillery course.united states - marine corps - biography, vietnam -
Mansfield RSL Sub Branch
Model, Aircraft, LAC. F.L. Cochrane, RAAF, circ. 1944
A handmade scaled replica of a World War Two Supermarine Spitfire aircraft for Tropical Operations, for defence of Australia and operations in the South Pacific flown by Australian Airmen.Signed by highly decorated World War Two Pilots Handmade wooden Spitfire Fighter Plane World War Two. Dark Blue paint, handmade metal propeller, 20mm cannon, exhaust manifold and undercarriage and perspex canopy. Mounted on buff coloured acrylic baseboard. Autographed by known & unknown World War Two Fighter Pilots and ACE Fighter Pilots.model, aircraft, spitfire, raaf, world war two, -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, War against Japan 1941-1942
... - Campaigns - Southeast Asia World War 1939-1945 - Campaigns - Pacific ...world war, 1939-1945 - campaigns - southeast asia, world war, 1939-1945 - campaigns - pacific area -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Jordens, Anne-Marie, Conscientious Objection and the Vietnam War
this Working Paper series seeks to provide readers with access to current research dealing with peace and security issues - particularly in the Pacific regions.this Working Paper series seeks to provide readers with access to current research dealing with peace and security issues - particularly in the Pacific regions.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - conscientious objectors - australia, conscientious objection - australia -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, Fabrications, November 2016
... Archipelago prisoner of war camps internment camps pacific carceral ...Information about Prisoner of War and Internment Camp architecture and geography in the Pacific Carceral ArchipelagoWhite front cover with map. Pink and white spine and back coverThe Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand. In and Across the Pacificprisoner of war camps, internment camps, pacific carceral archipelago, anoma pieris, society of architectural historians, australia and new zealand -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Newspapers, 1995
Collected at time of 50th anniversary of the Victory in the Pacific.various newspaper articles mostly dealing with aspects of war in North Queensland -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, RAAF Saga, 1944
Contains stories of RAAF in Europe, The Pacific and Burma. Honour RollBlue linen like cover. Print of planes on frontthe raaf at war, tatura, ww2 raaf, books, history, local, military -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Memorabilia - War Plate /Anniversary Plate, 1985
... lists of areas involved in the pacific war effort... lists of areas involved in the pacific war effort Around ...40th Anniversary Plate for Victory in the Pacific 15th August 1945Round, heavy metal plate, with 3cm raised rim, medal in centre 40th Anniversary of Pacific Victory, 15th August 1945Around the edge ' When you go home, Tell them of us, and say, For Your tomorrow We gave our Today. Around the bottom rim ' are two crossed poppies inside a laurel wreath. In the bowl of the plate ' THE PACIFIC ', 'SOUTH EAST ASIA' Are 3 lists of all the areas in the Pacific that saw conflict during WW11. On the bottom are 4 symbols engraved plus the number 1033. Perhaps a limited editioncollectors plate, ww11 in the pacific, lists of areas involved in the pacific war effort -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Document, Victory in the Pacific, 2005 (Reprinted)
... of Japanese Soldiers stories.|Japanese War brides Victory ...Pages of VIP day - 60th Anniversary of WW2 and other army storiesIn plastic folder|Reprinted - Newspaper articles about the end of WW2.|Singapore POW's of Japanese Soldiers stories.|Japanese War bridesww2, documents, newspapers -
City of Ballarat
Public Artwork, Eternal Flame by Peter Blizzard, 1995
Eternal Flame was created by Ballarat sculptor Peter Blizzard as a marker of the end of WWII in the Pacific. Engraved into the bluestone shaped tile across the base of the statue is details about conflict areas where Australian Troops were active. The metal structure mimics a moving flame with it's polished golden hue, a feature included in many war memorials around the world. Peter Blizzard also designed the Prisoner of War Memorial in the South Gardens, Ballarat Botanic Gardens. The metal structure mimics the moving flame of polished golden hue that is present in war memorials around the world. Eternal flame is aesthetically and historically significant to the people of BallaratMetal construction on bluestone tile baseConflict areas for Australian Troops are engraved into bluestone shaped tile across the base of the statue. eternal flame, world war ii, conflict, peter blizzard, australian sculpture -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c1944
RAVENSHOE, QLD. 1944-06-19. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, VX1 GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, GBE., KCB., CMG., DSO., ED., AND HIS STAFF WATCHING PERSONNEL OF HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION ENGAGED IN THEIR 3" MORTAR DRILL DURING HIS TOUR OF INSPECTION OF ARMY UNITS IN THE ATHERTON AREAThe 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of soldiers and Army Officer watching on as two soldiers in foreground demonstrate equipment2/24th battalion, ww2, ravenshoe, blamey -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c1944
Dame Gracie Fields, DBE (born Grace Stansfield; 9 January 1898 – 27 September 1979) was an English actress, singer and comedienne and star of both cinema and music hall. When World War II was declared and whilst recovering from surgery she threw herself into her work and signed up for the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Fields travelled to France to entertain the troops in the midst of air-raids, performing on the backs of open lorries and in war-torn areas. She performed many times for Allied troops, travelling as far as New Guinea, where she received an enthusiastic response from Australian personnel. In late 1945 she toured the South Pacific Islands. In 1979, seven months before her death, she was invested a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the entertainment industry.Reproduced black and white photograph of female wearing army jacket with soldiers kneeling and standing in background. Handwritten on rear - Gracie Fields in Pacificgracie fields, ww2, new guinea, 1945, south pacific islands -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Medal, Philippine Liberation, c1995
The Philippine Liberation Medal is intended to recognize military service during the last eleven months of World War II when the military of Japan was driven from the Philippines before their surrender in September 1945. Robert Hamilton Hutchieson PM 4802 served on HMAS Westralia as a landing craft coxswain in the Southwest Pacific Campaign 1942 to 1945. The Australian Army played virtually no part in the Philippines. However, units from the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy, were involved.The ships that delivered American troops included three Australian landing ships, HMA Ships Kanimbla, Manoora and Westralia. In 1995, fifty years after the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation, the Republic of the Philippines announced the awarding of a Philippines Liberation Medal to Allied veterans who served in the country or its territorial waters during 1944-45. More than 3000 Australians have received this medalGold with white enamel irregular shaped medal attached to orange ribbon with central thin blue and white stripe. Liberty (front) For The Liberation of The Philippines (back)philippine liberation medal, ww2, robert hutchieson -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Currency - Japanese Banknote
... by the Japanese forces of occupation in the Pacific theatre during... by the Japanese forces of occupation in the Pacific theatre during ...These notes are generally referred to as Japanese Invasion Money (JIM). This note is one of a series issued by the Japanese forces of occupation in the Pacific theatre during the second world war. Following the fall of Singapore into the hands of Imperial Japan on 15 February 1942 the Japanese introduced new currencies to replace those previously in use in the occupied territories of Singapore, Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei between 1942 and 1945. The new currency in Malaya and Singapore were issued with the same value as the Malayan dollar and first entered circulation in 1942. This example of Japanese Invasion Money was intended for use in Malaya as indicted by the letter M in the block letters MN. The currency was also referred to informally as "banana money" because of the motifs of banana trees on 10 dollar banknotesGreen on cream lithographed banknote of ten dollar denomination. The face features a tropical scene with palms and a hand of bananas. A pair of block stamped serial letters (MN), in black, appear at the bottom of the note. The reverse is printed with a pattern featuring the value and a beach scene with palms centrally located.The Japanese Government promises to pay the Bearer on demand ten dollarsww2, currency, japanese, japanese invasion money, banana money -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Medal - WW2 Medals
Three WW2 service medals awarded to Alfred Harry MERIGAN 40471 - born on 13/2/1907 London, England. Next of Kin - wife Myrtle MERIGAN nee FURPHY (Shepparton) He was an instrument maker and Orchardist. Enlisted Melbourne on 12/5/1941 into the RAAF serving with the 21 and 83 Squadron. He was discharged on 26/11/1945 and died on 20/2/1977 aged 70 years. Medals are :- The War Medal 1939-1945/The Australian Service Medal 1939-1945/The Pacific StarSmall one box containing three military medals with multi-colour striped ribbons attached.40471 - A H Meriganww2, raaf, medals -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Original would have been taken towards the end of Bulu's life in the early 1870s. The photo was dated "30 March 1933 THE ARGUS"
Joeli Bulu was one of the first missionaries to Fiji. Not a Christian when he grew up but was converted after listening to John Thomas in Tonga. The king of Tonga had just been converted to Christianity and asked for volunteers to go to Fiji as a missionary. His reception in Fiji was not welcoming, but he was such a tenacious chap and because he was likeable he became one of the most influential missionaries in the South Pacific. He was a rascal as a young man in Tonga and the meeting with John Thomas was the thing that changed his life. Very well regarded now in Fiji. His active period was the 1838 to 1870 - John Thomas came to Tonga in 1826. From Wikipedia: Joeli Bulu (Siaoeli Pulu) (around 1810-May 1877) became a Christian in 1833. He was one of a band of Tongan teachers who came to Fiji in 1838, and pioneered the work of the Christian Church in this group. He served the Church in Fiji for almost four decades. He came to Lakeba by canoe, and was appointed to help with the printing of catachisms and passages of Scripture. Lorimer Fison translated Bulu's oral account of hislife. This was edited by George Stringer Rowe and printed in England in 1871 with the title, "Joel Bulu: The Autobiography of a Native Minister in the South Seas". He served first at Lakeba and then at Rewa, and after that the station was closed because of the wars, at Viwa. John Hunt sent him to investigate the possibilities of establishing the work in Vanua Levu, and to that field he was later appointed. He was the first Pacific Islander to be placed alone in charge of a circuit - Ono, in 1848, and also the first to be ordained (1850) as a Native Assistant Missionary. After this he served at Nadi (Vaua Levu), Bua and Cakaudrove where he pioneered the work before any white missionaries were established there. Afterwards he was appointed to Bau. He died in May 1877 and his grave is beside that of John Hunt at Viwa Island.B&W photo, no backing, print from The Argus files, dated 30 March 1933. Tongan beareded old man, wearing a traditional (Fijian vala or lap-lap) and carrying what looks like a fly swat, but is more significant than that. Dressed as a Fijian chief."Joeli Bulu" "1/2 col Argus" and "Return to Rev. A. W. Amos 148 Lonsdale St" all written in pencil on the back.bulu, joeli, tonga, fiji, thomas, john, lakeba, hunt, john -
Sunshine and District Historical Society Incorporated
Trench Art, Stewart Noble, BULLET SPOON, Circa 1940
This piece of functional Trench Art was made by Stewart Noble during World War 2 (circa 1940) while serving on a Mine Sweeper among the Pacific Islands. It is believed that the bullet spoon was chrome plated after the war, while he worked at the Government Aircraft Factory. Trench art is described as any decorative item made by soldiers, prisoners of war, or civilians where the manufacture is directly linked to a war. The making of trench art was a popular past time during leisure hours at the front, where skilled military personnel created the items. Common examples of trench art are decorated shell and bullet casings, and items carved from wood and bone. Trench art has been in existence since the Napoleonic wars however it was most common during World War 1, and to a lesser extent during World War 2. This bullet spoon has historic significance because it is an example of the type of functional or artistic small items, that were made from war scrap during spare time by soldiers or other personnel associated with a war. This particular item indicates that a reasonably high degree of skill was required to make the bullet spoon.Chrome plated teaspoon with a discharged .303 bullet for the handle.trench art, bullet spoon, .303 bullet, stewart noble, war souvenier, chrome teaspoon -
Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum
Teacup
The Orungal was originally built in Glasgow in 1923 for the Khedival Mail Steamship & Graving Dock Company of Egypt and named the S.S. Fezara. Due to the effects on steamship companies of the Great Depression including the steep costs of building new ships and increases in running costs and port charges, no new passenger ships had been ordered in Australia since before World War One. To meet demand for passenger berths, the Fezara (5826 tons) along with its sister ship the Famaka (5856 tons, renamed Ormiston), were chartered by the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company Ltd (A.U.S.N.Co.) in 1927. Both the A.U.S.N.Co and the Khedival Mail Steamship Co. were part of the P&O Group. The Orungal operated in this role as an interstate passenger and mail steamer between 1927 and 1940, being used mainly on the Melbourne to Queensland and Western Australian runs, with 240 single class berths. Following the outbreak of World War Two six of the nine large passenger liners servicing mainland Australian passenger and mail trades were requisitioned by the Government to ferry equipment, troops and supplies. Some of them were converted to armed merchant cruisers and used for patrol work and escort duties in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Orungal had originally been requisitioned by the government along with the Zealandia on 25 June 1940, to transport troops to Darwin, but was returned to commercial service because "of her unsuitability", perhaps too slow for the demands of the work. Despite being rejected for patrol and convoy duties the Orungal still had a vital role as one of only three passenger liners left to service the mainland Australian trade. Following its requisitioning by the Government shortly after war broke out, it had been fitted out with defensive armament. On its final voyage arriving at Port Phillip Heads from Sydney, Captain Gilling was attempting to enter the Heads ahead of a worsening south-westerly storm and, with a minefield known to have been laid in the area, had been warned by the Navy not to deviate from the swept channel. The captain and crew held fears that in the stormy seas a mine may have been carried away. In the worsening weather a blur of lights at Barwon Heads was mistaken for Port Lonsdale, and the Orungal steamed ashore onto Formby Reef, just east of the entrance of the Barwon River - instead of passing safely through the middle of the Rip. At the Marine Board Inquiry Capt. Gilling - who had been master of the Orungal since 1926 - stated that after becoming uneasy about his position and changing course to starboard one point: " At 10.21 pm I ordered the engine room to stand by and gave instructions for the patent log to be hauled in and for the sounding-gear to be got ready. Approximately two minutes later, in a flash of lightning, I saw land off the port beam. I immediately recognised it as Barwon Heads, and ordered the helm to be put hard to starboard, but the vessel struck before she had time to answer the helm" Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove residents were startled to hear the shrill blast of the ship's whistle, followed by the bright flares and explosions of signal rockets. The Queenscliff lifeboat crew, who had responded to the tragic collision between the Goorangai and another passenger liner the Duntroon in Port Phillip Bay less than 24 hours earlier, were later praised for their efforts in safely taking off all the passengers and crew. Most of the passengers were asleep at the time of the wreck, and were woken up by the commotion, the ship shaking "from stem to stern" and stewards ordering them to lifeboat stations in driving rain. It was a dramatic time with the ship siren wailing and distress rockets being fired. It was reported that "When it was found the ship was safe, the passengers all went to the music room. There they sang and danced for several hours. The ship's orchestra played merrily, and amateur performers among the passengers clowned, danced and sang to keep the laughter going. In the early hours of the morning passengers went to their cabins, most of them to sleep soundly while the keel grated on the rocks". At dawn the Queenscliff lifeboat arrived at the scene having been launched at 2.30am, and cautiously approached the ship which was being "battered by mountainous seas". By 5am oil from a burst oil line was helping to calm seas around the Orungal sufficiently enough for the lifeboat to approach, and all the passengers and crew were taken off in several trips by the lifeboat. A Court of Inquiry later found that the wreck was caused by an abnormal set of current to the north-west and cleared the officers and crew of neglect of duty. The sight of a huge liner almost on the beach saw an unprecedented amount of traffic as people drove an estimated 10,000 cars, using some 60,000 gallons of fuel in a time of strict petrol rationing, to see the spectacle. Salvage operations began in an attempt to refloat the vessel, scheduled for the high tide on 15 December 1940. However, during these operations, at 2.30 am on 13 December 1940, a major fire broke out, believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion in the boiler room. The ship was soon ablaze, with smoke pouring from its hatches and ventilators, and at mid-morning the magazine exploded fiercely. Of the 60 men working aboard the vessel two were severely burned and had to be taken to Geelong Hospital. The gathered spectators witnessed the eerie sight of the ship's hull glowing red when night fell. The well-known building demolition contractor Whelan the Wrecker bought the salvage rights, and methodically proceeded to dismantle the ship and its fittings. The drama was not yet over for the wreckers when - without warning - the burnt-out hulk was 'attacked' by RAAF for strafing practice. Salvage rights were transferred to another private owner in 1963. By 1945 the combined effects of the exposed location, fire and salvage had seen what was left of the wreck disappear beneath the waves. The site today is marked by two of the four Scotch type boilers sitting upright and exposed at low tide, just north-east of the small boats channel at the entrance to Barwon Heads. Large sections of steel hull plating and framing, and impressively large pieces of ships structure and machinery including masts, booms, deck winches, propeller shaft, flywheel, and a thrust block lie scattered about and make the site an interesting shallow dive. It is interesting to compare the site of the Orungal with the intact remains of similar large passenger ships scuttled in deep water in the Ships' Graveyard, such as the Milora and Malaita. The site is subject to waves and surge, and is best dived on flat calm days The teacup originated from the SS Orungal and was likely used heavily in the ship's life as a passenger, mail and cargo carrier around Australia. The teacup is significant for its connections to SS Orungal and of this ships connected story of being sunk in extraordinary circumstances in the local region. A.U.S.N. Co. Ltd. Teacup salvaged from SS Orungal ss orungal, fezara, world war two, barwon heads, ocean grove