HMAS Wilcannia
From Our Contribution
 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 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. She participated in the search for HMAS Sydney survivors in November 1941. In February 1942 her name was changed to 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.
Battle Honours
- Darwin 1942-43
- Pacific 1942-44
- New Guinea 1943
Crew members
- Arthur Edward Pries 11 Oct - 1 Nov 1944