| Accession Number | AWM2022.812.1 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | |
| Place made | Hong Kong |
| Date made | 1939 - 1940 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
HMS Arawa
Description
Portrait of the crew of RMS Arawa, an armed merchant cruiser, taken on the foredeck in front of the Bridge which is covered in splinter protection.
The Arawa was converyted at Mort's Dock Sydney amnd sailed from there in 1939. It was paid off in Liverpool in 1941 before being converted to other uses. The vessel served in the China Squadron 1939-1940, the Indian Ocean in 1940 and the North Atlantic convoys 1940-1941. In 1945 she was used to transport former prisoners of war of the Japanes back to Australia.
At this time it was manned by an all Australian naval reserve crew. PM925 AB Leslie Woodward Crowle is on the hatch cover, second from right.
"I believe he served onboard for several years, as an able seaman gunner (Oerlikon) also a bugler (cuff rate).
Needless to say, he did not mention his time onboard (except occasionally over a drink).
He has the Atlantic Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 medal etc"
Photo caption:
'China Squadron 1936 – 1940
Indian Ocean 1940
North Atlantic – convoys 1940 – 1941'