SS ULIMAROA in its WWI dazzle camouflage pattern

Maker Alfred William Dufty (1858 - 1924)

Date1916 - 1920

Object number00037868

NamePostcard

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 85 x 137 mm, 0.02 kg

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Sydney

DescriptionA photograph showing ULIMAROA in its WWI dazzle camouflage paint. ULIMAROA was requisitioned from Huddart Parker Limited by the Zealand Government during World War I to act as a troopship and hospital ship.HistoryIn 1908 SS ULIMAROA came into service and commenced Huddart Parker's service on the Trans-Tasman service, between Australia and New Zealand. Although, she was still considered as a partial coastal liner considering that she sailed from Sydney via Melbourne to Hobart and only then she would cross the Tasman to New Zealand. She would then sail back to Sydney. Thus she carried passengers on both coastal voyages and well as Trans-Tasman sailings. ULIMAROA was requisitioned by the New Zealand Government in 1916 for use as a troop and hospital ship, despite her being an Australia vessel. She made five trooping voyages from New Zealand to Egypt and was then used o repatriate injured soldiers from Egypt to New Zealand, her last voyage being in June 1919. The ULIMAROA was returned to Huddart Parker Limited in 1920 to continue the trans-Tasman route and scrapped in 1934.SignificanceThe SS ULIMAROA has a long history with Australia and New Zealand waters, being an integral part of the trans-Tasman services. She also played an important role for New Zealand in WW as a troop ship and returning injured soldiers from the front.