The tug Melcustoms (S-100) of the Small Ships Section, United States Army Services of Supply, ...

The tug Melcustoms (S-100) of the Small Ships Section, United States Army Services of Supply, Southwest Pacific Area (USA SOS SWPA), in an unidentified harbour. Crew members are on deck and the flag of the USA is flying from the mast. The Melcustoms was originally built as Customs No1-Synan for the Commonwealth Government in Melbourne. It was acquired on 22 September 1942 and renamed Melcustoms by the Small Ships Section. The Melcustoms served in the waters of Papua New Guinea. Whilst towing a lifeboat from Morobe to Buna it was bombed by the Japanese. Initially Australian ships were requisitioned and chartered by the Small Ships Section. Construction of ships for USA SOS SWPA commenced in Australia in 1942. Approximately 3000 vessels were constructed, including freighters, launches, tugs, towboats, lighters, rescue and salvage boats and a large number of barges. An additional 4000 lifeboats and dinghies were built. Around 3000 Australians enlisted in the Small Ships Section during the Second World War. They were not inducted members of the US Army, but were civilians attached to the Army. They were often too young, too old or physically ineligible to serve in the Australian armed forces. (This image is from the collection of Arthur James Carfax-Foster who served with the Small Ships Section from September 1943 until January 1946).