Passenger vessel of 4286 grt. Owned by Tasmanian Steamers Pty Ltd (Jointly owned in turn by Union Steam Ship Company and Huddart Parker Ltd) and used on the passenger service between Tasmania and Melbourne. Served as a troop transport during World War II. After World War II her two original funnels were replaced by one. Sold 1959 and demolished in 1989.
Taroona (Ship : 1935- )
There are 3 related items to this topic
Audio
Interview with Dorothy Grant
Date: 27 Mar 1998
From: `Oranje' oral history project
By: Grant, Dorothy Caroline, 1916-2015
Reference: OHInt-0434-04
Description: Dorothy Caroline Grant (nee Oram) born Wellington. Recalls: growing up in Wellington; primary education at Wellington South Primary, in Russell Terrace and secondary education at Wellington East Girls' College, with reference to Miss Latham (Headmistress); examination system; job interviews and work with Inland Revenue; social life, with reference to YWCA and concerts organised by the Tramway Band; involvement with Red Cross and voluntary aid work at Wellington Hospital while working full time; World War II and being accepted for WWSA (Women's War Service Auxiliary) and embarking on the Taroona from Auckland Jan 1942 to Melbourne. Mentions wonderful reception by Australian Red Cross ladies before going on board the `Oranje'. Describes day in life of a nurse on return trips from war zones. Other recollections include: casualties from El Alamein Campaign and reasons for taking casualties to Durban in South Africa; funerals at sea; Christmas celebrations, with reference to Polish soldiers singing Christmas carols; experience of fire on board on ANZAC Day 1942 and the patients as a result; tuberculosis patients; being posted ashore in 1944 to Helwan Hospital in Egypt; Bombay convoy on Orontes (troop ship) and hearing attack. Discusses meeting husband and wedding in Maadi Camp, with reference to Padre Mike Underhill from Christchurch and Colonel Radcliffe. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Marie de Joux Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007969-007971; OHLC-004088-004090 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2149. Photocopies of one b&w photograph, no. 72475 VAD NZ and photocopies of 4 coloured photographs; (i, ii & iii) NZRA Gold Star Award 1996 and (v) [Dorothy Grant] Search dates: 1916 - 1998
Manuscript
Union Company - Ships - T-V
Date: [ca 1947-1963]
From: Wilkinson, James Douglas, 1926-2014: Collection
Reference: MS-Papers-7271-33
Description: Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Image
Aeroplanes, ships and the postal service
Date: 1930-ca 1960
From: New Zealand Free Lance : Photographic prints and negatives
Reference: PAColl-0785-1-055
Description: Photographs of ships and aeroplanes made for publication in the New Zealand Free Lance. Includes interior views of the ships Taroona, Tahiti and Bulimba; the seaplane Ararangi in Evans Bay in 1950 and Sir Josph Ward and Gustav Hamel in the monoplane Britannia in 1930. Also includes photographs of men sorting mail at a postal depot. Quantity: 16 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints