Australian Army Water Transport Units Remembered

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5th April 2008, 01:46pm - Views: 1728





Government Government Minister For Veterans' Affairs 1 image







The Hon Alan Griffin MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs


VA029


Saturday 5 April 2008


AUSTRALIAN ARMY WATER TRANSPORT UNITS REMEMBERED


The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today paid tribute to a vital Second World War

unit  that included Sir Frank Packer and Sir Ninian Stephen.


Both men were part of the little known, but effective, Australian Army water transport units

during the Second World War.


“The small ships and landing craft of the water transport groups provided essential support for

troops in combat,” Mr Griffin said.


“They ferried troops to areas that the larger Navy ships could not reach, evacuated wounded,

delivered food and ammunition and took part in amphibious landings.”


Mr Griffin said water transport units initially operated in Malaya, the Middle East and later

supported Australian operations from 1942 to 1946 in Papua, New Guinea, Bougainville, New

Britain and Borneo.


Mr Griffin joined Sir Ninian Stephen today in Sydney as a commemorative plaque honouring the

unit’s members and their work was unveiled.


“Their contribution during the Second World War is an important part of Australia’s wartime

history and the Water Transport Association is to be commended for keeping their memory

alive,” Mr Griffin said.


“The Australian Government proudly supports ex-service and community organisations that are

committed to commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australians in wars, conflicts and

peace operations.”



Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109







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