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Collection of 41 documents relating to Captain Burnham Dun

Date1939 - 1991

Object numberANMS1347

NameArchive series

MediumPaper

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the family of Burnham Walker Dun

Terms

DescriptionThis collection of 41 documents relate to the career of Master Mariner Captain Burnham Walker Dun. The series consists of one set of timetables for the British India Steam Navigation Company Limited; one account of wages for Dun; two Sea Staff Assurance Scheme booklets; two Statutory Rule books; one set of situation reports from SS TANDA; one contact list for P&O Orient Lines; one enrolment form for Military Service; one telegram; two receipts; three lists of medical and ammunition supplies and chart folios; one set of work instructions; one employment booklet; seven newspaper clippings; one standard uniform document; one set of terms and conditions for an agreement; one set of payment details; and 14 letters to and from Captain Dun relating to promotions, salary and letters of reference for crew. The documents span the period 1939 - 1991.HistoryBurnham Walker Dun 1905-1992 began his apprenticeship with the Australasian Steam Navigation Company in 1921 when he was just short of his 16th birthday. After four years in the coastal ships of AUSN he gained his Second Mate's certificate in Sydney and joined the Eastern & Australian Steamship Company (E&A) as Fourth Officer on the TANDA. He served 43 years with this Company sailing to ports between Australia and eastern Asia, retiring in 1967. He gained his Master's Certificate in 1929, at the age of 24. In 1942, while he was Chief Officer onboard SS NANKIN, the ship was captured by the German raider THOR. He spent the rest of World War II labouring in Japanese POW camps with the other surviving crew. He returned to Australia in poor health and spent years trying to get compensation. Although he was an Australian resident employed by an Australian company (managing agents Macdonald Hamilton) the ship was British owned and registered, and he obtained only limited compensation. He went back to sea with E&A in 1946, had his first permanent command in 1947 on the second NANKIN, and served in the company's ships EASTERN, NELLORE, ARAFURA and ARAMAC until he retired. During this time he carried cargo regularly to Japan, where he established friendly relationships with his former captors. During his career he made a number of rescues at sea and survived several severe typhoons. On retirement, he became a Nautical Assessor and took part in marine Courts of Enquiry, including the enquiry into the collapse of the Tasman Bridge, caused by the cargo ship LAKE ILLAWARRA striking one of the bridge's piers.