Two completed 30 foot plywood barges (40 HP outboard) of the Small Ships Section, United States ...

Accession Number P04853.083
Collection type Photograph
Object type Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Maker Commercial Photographic Co. Pty Ltd
Place made Australia
Date made 1942-1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Two completed 30 foot plywood barges (40 HP outboard) of the Small Ships Section, United States Army Services of Supply, Southwest Pacific Area (USA SOS SWPA), constructed by the Slazengers company, Sydney. These barges were used extensively in shallow waters of 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).