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Captain's dinner fourth of July 1949 Independence Day: USAT GENERAL OMAR BUNDY
Captain's dinner fourth of July 1949 Independence Day: USAT GENERAL OMAR BUNDY

Captain's dinner fourth of July 1949 Independence Day: USAT GENERAL OMAR BUNDY

Date4 July 1949
Object number00003886
NameMenu
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 205 x 165 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Australian Lithuanian Community
DescriptionA menu from the migrant ship USAT GENERAL OMAR BUNDY for a Captain's dinner on July 4, 1949 (Independence Day).HistoryThe USAT GENERAL OMAR BUNDY was originally a transport ship for the United States Navy in World War II. She was heavily involved in transporting American troops to both Europe and throughout the Pacific with an approximate troop capacity of 3,500 - 4,050. At the end of the war USAT GENERAL OMAR BUNDY was part of what was known as Operation 'Magic Carpet' - the return of over 8 million American troops home. Once completed towards the end of 1946 she was signed over to the United States Army where she remained in service until 1949. In June of hat year USAT GENERAL OMAR BUNDY left "Naples with 842 displaced persons from Europe and arrived in Sydney on 8 July 1949.This voyage was one of almost 150 voyages by some 40 ships bringing refugees of World War II to Australia. She arrived again in Sydney with 842 refugees on 8 July 1949." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_General_Omar_Bundy_(AP-152)] In 1964 she was converted to a commercial ship and after changing hands became the SS POET in 1979. Tragedy struck in 1980 when she disappeared off South Philadelphia and was presumed sunk with the loss of 34 lives. No wreckage was ever found.SignificanceShip menus became important souvenirs for passengers travelling aboard. They were often signed by other passengers and usually featured decorative covers and were mementos of elaborate meals served. In the case of this menu from the USAT GENERAL OMAR BUNDY, it serves as a poignant reminder of the occasion of Independence Day and a reminder of a momentous journey of change for the 842 refugees aboard heading for a new life in Australia.