Burns Philp Line MARELLA : Australia - Java - Singapore service

Maker Burns, Philp & Company Limited (Australian, 1884 - 2006)

Date1920-1948

Object number00000482

NamePostcard

MediumPhotographic image, Ink on paper

DimensionsOverall: 89 x 140 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionPostcard advertising the Burns, Philp & Company vessel MARELLA and its Australia, Java and Singapore route.HistoryThe MARELLA was originally a German ship that was purchased by Burns Philip after WWI from the British Government. She was engaged in the Australia-Singapore-Java run and was put into extensive Pacific service during WWII as a transport for troops, evacuees, ammunition and supplies. She proved herself both resilient and incredibly useful throughout the war being directly involved in New Guinea and Indonesia evacuations and transport. On the completion if the war, she was returned to Burns Philip and resumed her Australia-Singapore service until 1949. Significance"The account of the happenings of HMAS HOBART and the two Burns Philp ships MARELLA and MANGOLA as told here, highlights the important part played by the ships of the Merchant Navy and Burns Philp in particular, under escort of the British and Australian Navies in the huge evacuation of the Service and Civilian personnel from Singapore in the west, to the South Pacific Islands in the east. Virtually thousands were evacuated to the safety of the Australian mainland, ahead of the known atrocities being committed by the Japanese Forces."
-The Report of HMAS HOBART'S South China Sea and Java Sea Operations.
[https://sites.google.com/a/mercantilemarine.org/mercantile-marine/Fleets/Burns-Philp-Shipping-Company/SS-Marella]