Harry 15yo WWII: In Troopship Convoy
Posted on: Mon 28 Feb 2022
(repeat from 2019) In 1942 15year old Harry Cruger sailed out of Sydney Harbour as an Ordinary Seaman aboard the SS Ormiston heading north in convoy with SS Katoomba and SS Canberra, carrying Australian Troops . That same afternoon Japanese submarines entered Sydney Harbour. Two years later SS Ormiston herself was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off Coffs Harbour NSW. In August 1943 Harry signed up with the US Army Small Ships Section at No 10 Walsh Bay, Sydney, and was transported by Troop Train to Townsville to join MV Bloemfontein, sailing to Milne Bay New Guinea. Harry’s been awarded both US and Imperial Australian campaign medals in recognition of his service.
Photo: Harry Cruger – official photo during sign-on with US Army Small Ships Sydney, 1943. Aged 15.
