Formerly the German Soneck, and impounded in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) when war began, in ...

Formerly the German Soneck, and impounded in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) when war began, in May 1940, the 2,191ton steamer SS Karsik (as it was renamed) was used as a train ferry at Batavia until the Japanese invasion. This meant it was well suited for the later job of carrying much needed tanks to the Allied forces in New Guinea. In June 1942 the Karsik transported supplies and equipment to Milne Bay. In December 1942 she brought tanks from Milne Bay to Oro Bay for use in the assault on Buna from December 1942 to June 1943. She took part in Operations Lilliput and Accountant, transporting Australian and American troops and material to Oro Bay.