Wah Sui (Wusei)

 

 

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Departed Singapore 12/2/1942
Arrived Batavia 14/2/1942

A number of injured soldiers were evacuated from Singapore on 12/2/1942 on board the flat bottomed Yangtze River Boat, Wah Sui (Wusei), which had been converted to a Hospital Ship.

Among those who headed for Batavia were NX37501 - Pte. J.A. SANDRY and NX34711 - Capt. W. MELVILLE. On Friday, 13/2/1942, Pte. Sandry died of his wounds and was buried at sea. Also during the voyage, the Wah Sui (Wusei) was stopped by a Japanese cruiser and inspected by a boarding party, but the ship was allowed to continue on it's way.

After arrival at Batavia, Capt. Melville was transferred to the British Hospital ship Karapi, which made a safe voyage to Colombo. The Karapi arrived in Ceylon on 22/2/1942, and the men were transferred to 12 AGH, where they spent their time recovering. Capt. Melville remained in convalescent camp for several months, until suitable transport was available to transport him, and the other soldiers, back to Australia.

(Source: Across the Sea to War; NAA: B883 Service Records NX34711 & NX65890; Makan No. 179)

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Last updated 29/08/2022