RAN
Passenger Ferry
Dimensions
55.5m | 11m | 4m
Tons
454
June 1, 1942
Justin Taylan 2006
Ship History
Buitl by Walsh Island Shipyard, Newcastle NSW in 1922. This was one of the largest passenger ferries owned and operated by Sydney Ferries Ltd.
Wartime History
This ferry was requisitioned by the RAN in November 1940 and designated HMAS Kuttabul on February 26, 1941. As of February 1941, it was used as the accommodation ship permanently moored along the eastern side of Garden Island in Sydney Harbor.
Sinking History
Anchored in Sydney Harbor, after midnight on May 31, 1942 a torpedo was fired from Japanese Type A Midget Submarine M24 targeting USS Chicago, but instead passed under the Dutch submarine K-9 and exlpoded against the sea wall, lifting HMAS Kuttabul out of the water and sinking it and killing 21 sailors aboard.
Savlage
The wheelhouse was salvaged later in 1942 and used as a guard house on Garden Island and at the land based named after this ferry.
Display
The wheelhouse is displayed at ANZAC Hall at the Australian War Memorial, on loan from the RAN.
