An unidentified crew member works in the engine room of S181 Koondooloo (S-181) a vehicular ferry ...

Accession Number P04853.058
Collection type Photograph
Object type Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Maker United States Army Signal Corps
Date made c 1943
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

An unidentified crew member works in the engine room of S181 Koondooloo (S-181) a vehicular ferry of the Small Ships Section, United States Army Services of Supply, Southwest Pacific Area (USA SOS SWPA). The Koondooloo was acquired from Sydney Ferries on 8 June 1942 and was used as a workboat in Papua New Guinea. 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).

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