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
NEWS 
