Souvenir of TSS Zealandia
Maker
Huddart Parker Limited
(1876 - 1961)
Date1942
Object number00007760
NameMiniature lifebuoy
MediumPlastic, rope, paint, paper, glass
Dimensions20 x 180 mm (180 mm)
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA souvenir miniature lifebuoy inscribed 'REMEMBRANCE T.S.S. ZEALANDIA'. The edges are decorated with the house flag of Huddart Parker Limited and the Australian Red Ensign.HistoryThe TSS ZEALANDIA began service in 1910 as part of the Union Steamship Company based in New Zealand. She was involved in the trans-Tasman service and later run by Huddart Parker on its Melbourne to Fremantle route.
In 1918 the ZEALANDIA was requisitioned as a troopship to transport American Expeditionary Force to France and later carried troops home to Sydney at the end of the war.
Between the wars, ZEALANDIA continued operations with Huddart Parker until she was requisitioned again in 1940 by the Australian Navy as a troop transport. TSS ZEALANDIA was predominately committed to Pacific routes including Singapore and Rabaul and involved in evacuating Darwin at the end of 1941.
On 19 February 1942, TSS ZEALANDIA was again in Darwin when the Japanese attacked. Although she was sunk, only two of crew members died from wounds sustained in the attack and 142 crew members survived.SignificanceTSS ZEALANDIA played a significant role in Australia's military and naval history. She served in both World Wars and was sunk in the Japanese raid on Darwin in February 1942.
