Convoy US12B

 

 

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Departed Sydney 17/9/1941
Arrived Fremantle 25/9/1941

Departed Fremantle 28/9/1941
Arrived Singapore 5/10/1941

Troopship to Singapore

Troopships to Middle East

  • Aquitania (N.Z. Forces)

  • Johan Van Oldenbarnevelt  (N.Z. Forces)

  • HMT II - Marnix Van St. Aldegonde (A.I.F)

Reinforcements for the 2/30th and various other units in the Middle East and Singapore departed Australia in September 1941 in Convoy US12B. The convoy included four troopships, plus escorts. On this voyage, Sibajak was codenamed HMT JJ (on the previous convoy she was called HMT DD).

The Johan Van Oldenbarnevelt and Aquitania had departed Wellington, on 15/9/1941, carrying N.Z. troops. Sibajak departed Sydney on 17/9/1941, and the three troopships met up in the Tasman Sea on 18/9/1941. On board Sibajak were reinforcements destined for the 2/18, 2/19, 2/20, 2/29, 2/30, GBD, 4 Anti Tank, 2/10 Field Company, 2 Reserve Motor Transport, 2/15 Field Regiment, 2/12 Field Company, 2/3 Reserve Motor Transport, and 2/3 Motor Ambulance Convoy.

The convoy was later joined by the Marnix Van St. Aldegonde, which had left Melbourne on 17/9/1941, carrying South Australian troops. The convoy arrived in Fremantle on 26/9/1941 and departed on 28/9/1941.

   

South Australian troops departing Melbourne, 17/9/1941 on board Marnix Van St. Aldegonde. Australian War Memorial - ID No. 009583

 

Sibajak, in Fremantle Harbour, 7/8/1941. This was while the ship was part of Convoy US11B to Singapore. (Naval Historical Collection) Australian War Memorial - ID No. 306777

 

The convoy sailed together for a further three days, until the Sibajak turned and headed for Singapore. The other three troopships in the convoy headed for the Middle East. The Sibajak arrived in Singapore on 5/10/1941.

After arrival in Singapore, some of the troops were immediately sent to the General Base Depot in Johore Bahru, to undertake further training and await posting as reinforcements to various Battalions, including the 2/30th.

(Source: Across the Sea to War; NAA: B883 Service Records)

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Last updated 14/02/2023