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 RAN April 9, 1942  RAN April 12, 1942  RAN October 5, 1945 |
Ship History Prewar, operated by the Australian colonial administration in the Territory of Papua and Territory of New Guinea as a passenger and cargo vessel in New Guinea and New Britain. Wartime History During early 1942, this vessel was commandeered by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and renamed HMAS Laurabada and was armed with a machine gun for anti-aircraft defense. During early April 1942, under the command of Lt. Ivan Chapman, RANVR sailed via the Trobriand Islands to New Britain. On April 10, 1942 arrived Jacquinot Bay to rescue 156 Australian soldiers and civilians that evacuated Rabaul after the Japanese occupation and transported to Port Moresby arriving two days later. On April 12, 1942 the evacuees embarked aboard MV Macdhui and were transported to Townsville. Evacuees included Pvt George Charles Russell, VX34177, Sgt Leslie Ian Hamilton Robbins, Rabaul Fortress Signals Unit. Sgt S. Costello, NGVR. Lt. A. G. Fischer, 17th Anti-Tank Battery. Lt. D. M. Selby, NX142851, Commanding Officer, Anti Aircraft Battery. Major W. T. "Bill" Owen, 2/22nd Battalion; Captain C. E. Goodman, 2/22nd Battalion; Major E. C. Palmer, 2/10 Field Ambulance. Pte Leslie William Fawcett, NX45605. Pte William Cook. LCpl John Maxwell Holah, NX59095. Major Edward Charles Palmer, NX35096. Pte George Charles Russell, VX34177. Private Leigh James Doyle, VX22944. Gunner Walter Alexander Richardson, NX57390. Private Vincent Lyons, VX24936. Private Frank Hall Kinnersley, VX44953. Private John Robert Copland, VX28345. Private Bruce Evans, VX23858. Private George William Britten, VX21868. Private Henshall, VX30541. LCpl William Chapman, VX24061. Cpl John William Appleton, NX51455. Pvt Douglas Arthur Gallahar, VX24932. Gunner Patrick Thomas Hampson, VX29050. Major E. C. Palmer 2/10 Field Ambulance; Captain C. E. Goodwin. Lt. J. D. Uzzell, VX44355. Civilians included: Mrs Watterman and her family, along with Mrs Janke. Mr. L. J. Froggatt, Government Entomologist. On April 12, 1942 arrives Fairfax Harbor and unloads the evacuees at the main jetty of Port Moresby. Afterwards, the survivors boarded MV Macdhui and were transported to Townsville. On April 28, 1942 east of Abau Island off the south coast of New Guinea spotted by A6M2 Zero 1575. Turning to strafe it, this Zero hit a coconut palm on Otamata plantation and made a crash landing in the plantation. Pilot Maeda survived the crash landing unhurt but stunned from the impact. During late May 1942 departed departed Gili Gili at Milne Bay under the command of Lt. Ivan Chapman with the crew of twelve plus 27 Australian Army militia men including Lt Mac Rich eastward to the Louisiade Archipelago to search for downed Allied aviators and to inspect areas briefly occupied by the Japanese during the Battle of the Coral Sea. On May 26, 1942, rescued Lt(jg) Quigley and P.O. Wheelhouse crew members of ditched SBD Dauntless 4531 from Rossel Island (Yela). Afterwards, proceeded to Deboyne Islands and were likely the first Allied forces to inspect the area after the Battle of the Coral Sea to interview natives and Chinese resident Ah Gow about the brief Japanese occupation. They made stops at Panaeati Island (Panniet), Panapompom Island and Nivani Island and inspected several Japanese aircraft wrecks including G4M1 Betty 2271. They recovered instruments and other items of interest for intelligence value. In early June 1942 proceeded to Kitava Island and while in transit on June 9, 1942 spotted by a plane that proved to be friendly and after a brief visit returned to Gili Gili at Milne Bay. In June 1945, the vessel was returned to the department of external territory and returned to service with the Papuan administration. Postwar During September to October 1945 made an inspection tour of the islands including Rabaul with Lt. Col C. Normoyle, C.O. Royal Papuan Constabulary and Major General B. M. Morris, commander of Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU). Ultimate fate unknown. References Milne Bay 1942 (1992) page 15 (May 1942–June 1942 mission to Deboyne) Contribute
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