SWEDISH SHIP AT LYTTELTON
War-time Service Recalled
The Swedish motor-ship Torrens. which arrived at Lyttelton on Wednesday to discharge cargo from European ports, made her first visit to New Zealand in a role quite different from her present one. In August, 1944, she brought to Auckland from Noumea more than 1000 troops of the 3rd New Zealand Division who had served up to 20 months in the Pacific.
Also on board on that visit were 90 Waacs. as well as the New Zealand Hospital unit and its patients. The troops were marched to the Auckland railway station, on their way to Papakura and six weeks’ furlough. In those days there was a vast difference in the appearance of the Torrens. All the ’tween decks had been converted into dormitories and the midships section housed the hospital. In addition, the Torrens mounted several guns. The former hospital accommodation is now the crew’s quarters. Captain Thor Bruu, who commanded the ship all through the war. retired in 1953. and was succeeded by her present commander (Captain A. Tof f Nilsen).
The Torrens, owned by W. Wilhelmsen and Company, was launched in Sweden in 1939. shortly before the outbreak of war. ?<SS ore u her visit to Auckland in 1944. she had been used to carry troops in the New Guinea area.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28429, 8 November 1957, Page 18
Word Count
219SWEDISH SHIP AT LYTTELTON Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28429, 8 November 1957, Page 18
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