HMAS Wilcannia

HMAS Wilcannia

Courtesy AWM photo 301729
History
Name	HMAS Wilcannia
Builder	Burmeister & Wain, Copenhagen
Launched	1934
Completed	1934
In service	1934
Fate	broken up 2004
General characteristics
Type	Patrol vessel
Tonnage	1,049 tons
Length	216.4 feet (66.0m)
Beam	36.7 feet (11.2m)
Depth	8.3 feet (2.5m)

Remarks

SS Wyrallah was built for the North Coast Steam Navigation Company, and used on the Richmond River to Sydney route as a Refrigerated Cargo Steamship from 1934 until 1942. With the outbreak of WW2, she was requisitioned by the RAN in June 1940 and commissioned as an anti-submarine / patrol vessel for use on the west coast where in November 1941 she participated in the search for HMAS Sydney survivors. In February 1942 her name was changed to HMAS Wilcannia, and she was moved to New Guinea and South Pacific waters to carry out patrols, pilot rescues and transport of stores. On 27 Jul 1942 HMAS Fremantle collided with her, but she survived to provide valuable service until she was paid off in 1947.

Returned to her owners as SS Wtrallah in 1949, and remained with them until 1960 when she was sold and renamed Colorado del Mar. Renamed again in 1964 to Tamata, in 1972 to Union Pacific, in 1973 to Ocean Life. in 1976 to Sri Mahkota and finally in 1979 to Sinar Surya. She was broken up at Chittagong, Bangladesh in March 2004.

Battle Honours

• Darwin 1942-43
• Pacific 1942-44
• New Guinea 1943

Crew members

• Arthur Edward Pries 11 Oct - 1 Nov 1944