Australian troopships were known as His Majesty's Australian Transport Ships (HMAT)
The Commonwealth Government leased ships for the purpose of transporting the troops overseas. Each ship leased was provided with a number beginning with A. The ships were usually British or captured German ships and were converted for carrying troops and supplies.
The website - Desert Column - lists the ships used and provides photographs and general information.
Arthur Anderson embarked from Melbourne on the HMAT A18 Wiltshire. The ship 'weighed 10,390 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 2 October 1917.'
David Anderson embarked from Melbourne on the HMAT A23 Suffolk. The ship 'weighed 7573 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the Potter, Trinder and Gwyn, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 14 June 1917.'
He travelled to Plymouth, England aboard the HMT Briton leaving Alexandria on 29 May 1916.
Britain also hired ships to transport troops. The ships were referred to ad Hired Military Transport (HMT).
Frederick Anderson embarked from Melbourne on the HMAT A10 Karoo. The ship 'weighed 6,127 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the Ellerman & Bucknall SS Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 3 January 1917.'
Return journey
David Anderson embarked for Melbourne on the HMT Main on 11 October 1919
Frederick Anderson embarked for Melbourne aboard the SS Chemnitz 7 July 1919 arriving on 5 September 1919.
 |
| SS Chemnitz - http://www.norwayheritage.com |
No comments:
Post a Comment