| Accession Number | P02945.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white, Landscape |
| Physical description | Black & white, Landscape |
| Date made | 16 June 1942-17 June 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 16 - 17 June 1942. Water jets spraying upwards caused by Japanese ...
Description
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 16 - 17 June 1942. Water jets spraying upwards caused by Japanese bombs hitting the water during the bombing of the Motor Vessel (MV) Macdhui. The Japanese attacked the Macdhui on 16 June 1942, causing some damage and several casualties, and killing the ship's surgeon Dr C. Tunstall. The next day, the Japanese bombers returned and continued the attack, with several bombs hitting the vessel. Fires broke out and Captain J. Campbell, the ship's commander gave the order to abandon ship. The crew were evacuated with the help of three RAAF medical officers who had been watching the attack from the shore. Steward William Drury had been badly wounded during the attack and died of wounds the next day. Still on fire, the Macdhui drifted to the shallows where she grounded. (Donor R. Wilkie)