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SS Swartenhondt

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SS Swartenhondt
SS Swartenhondt.jpg
4 Oct 1944 Dutch troopship SS Swartenhondt in Milford Haven, Lae, New Guinea. AWM 076525
SS Swartenhondt 2.jpg
History
Name SS Swartenhondt
Owner Koninkl Pakita
Builder NV Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde
Launched 1922
Completed 1922
In service 1922
Out of service 1946
General characteristics
Type passenger / cargo ship
Tonnage 5,084 tons
Speed 12 knots
Capacity (22.22 km/h)



Remarks

Prior to the outbreak of war in the Pacific, SS Swartenhont was a part of the Dutch East Indies fleet providing cargo and passenger carriage between the islands. Australian shipping records begin with a voyage from Singapore to Batavia in May 1941 and each subsequent voyage is notated until March 1946. Enroute in convoy from Fremantle for Batavia in February 1942 when Japanese advances led to the convoy being scattered with instructions to return to Fremantle.


In May 1942 her focus moved from the west coast of Australia to the east from which ports she made numerous trips carrying cargo and at times soldiers to New Guinea and surrounding islands. Following the Japanese surrender she again served the Dutch East Indies islands sailing between Hollandia (Dutch New Guinea) and Morotai, Ambon, Biak, in addition to North Queensland ports.

Soldiers carried

Darwin to Jacquinot Bay, New Britain - 23 to 30 December 1944