At this website we would like to record for future generations, the largely untold history of the role of Australia's Merchant Navy from 1939 to 1946, with particular reference to the War in the Asia/Pacific area.

Serving as crewmen on merchant ships owned by the Burns Philp Shipping Company, we have compiled narratives and photographs from our own, and other veterans' experiences of the war.

Narratives have been included about the fleets of Australian shipping companies and of our immediate allies, as well as individual stories from Australian service personnel. You are invited to contribute your own narratives, poems and photographs about Australia's role during the war.

We would like to thank colleagues whose contributions have enabled this website to exist. As we are a non-profit based website aimed at educating future generations about the Australian Merchant Navy, we greatly appreciate any contributions or donations.

Join our online discussion of The Merchant Navy, at the Mercantile Marine community forums.

Visit and read more Merchant Marine stories at the Mercantile Marine Pedia

Visit the Mercantile Marine Photo Gallery

Merchant Navy Day Memorial Service 2009
Merchant Navy organisations have for years unsuccessfully lobbied the Australian Federal Government to recognise the contribution of Merchant Seamen during World War 11.
Many paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is estimated that one in eight Australian merchant mariners lost their lives. The 3rd day of September marks the anniversary of the first day of World War II, when the first merchant ship was lost in the war.
The DVA Nominal Rolls record at least 3500 Australian merchant seamen in World War II and 270 during the Vietnam War. The Australian War Memorial has placed the names of 845 Australian seamen known to have died on war service during World War II on a special Commemorative Roll.  To commemorate their sacrifice a memorial service will be held at:
Mosman Cenotaph
Myahgah Road Mosman Sydney Australia
3rd September 2009 commencing at 11am