Taroona built 1934 an oil burning express turbine steamer capable of producing a speed of 18 knots. She was requisitioned for war service as a transport in 1942, and taken over as a fast troop carrier. During her first trip to Port Moresby she carried 480 troops and supplies, on leaving Moresby she ran aground on a reef at the entrance where she remained for 3 days, helpless hard and fast aground from bow to bridge. All efforts to refloat her using both engines and the assistance of navy vessels proved futile. The situation became serious when on several occasions Japanese bombers swept in to attack the Seven Mile aerodrome outside Port Moresby. Why they failed to attack Taroona remains a mystery. Finally now aided by three naval vessels she shook herself free.
Taroona maintained a shuttle service between east coast and north Australian ports carrying troops and their logistic supplies to the forward areas. She was involved in Operation Lilliput (Stage 26) which was the push against the Japanese forces at Milne Bay, Buna, Gona, and Oro Bay. Most of the merchant ships engaged in this strategic turning point were from the Dutch East Indies with the exception being Union Co. Taroona and the Burns Philp vessels Muliama, Mangola and Montoro. Operation Lilliput was not carried through without loss, two merchant ships were sunk and two badly damaged.
Extract from a personal message to Gen. Marshall Army Chief of Staff from General Mac Arthur.
"Due to lack of maritime resources, I am unable to increase ground forces in New Guinea, as I cannot maintain them. It is imperative that Merchant Shipping, and Naval forces for escort duty be increased, to ensure that communication between the Australian mainland and southern New Guinea is maintained. With these additional facilities, I can despatch large ground forces, I can counter infiltration towards the north, and make advances along the north coast with small vessels and marine forces. If New Guinea goes the results will be disastrous. This is urgent"
Australian in the War of 1939-1945 Volume II (1968).
The ships that took part in Operation Lilliput, were R.A.N. Corvettes (15), U.S. Subchasers (2), Merchant Navy Ships Australian British and Dutch (25), under the control of the Commonwealth Shipping Control Board. These vessels while under constant attack from Japanese aircraft transported 3,802 troops, and 60,000 tons of supplies. Not until the final stages of Operation Lilliput in June 1943, did the first American Liberty Ship the U.S.S Key Pitman of 7,181 tons enter Oro Bay. Operation Lilliput was undoubtedly the first major set back to the Japanese advance towards the Australian mainland.
Taroona was manned throughout the war by an Australian crew, sailing mainly independently due to her fast speed. Altogether she travelled 204,535 miles and carried 93,432 troops and although frequently under fire during her ninety-four trips she remained unscathed. Taroona arrived back in Sydney 4th February 1946 ending her wartime career, after a refit she returned to trade in October 1946 in 1959 was sold to Typaldos Greek Shipping Co and finished her days in the Mediterranean.
