TS Taroona 1935-1989

Built for Tasmanian Steamers Pty Ltd, a company jointly owned by Huddart Parker Ltd and Union Company. The Taroona was used for the Launceston - Melbourne passenger service.

She then served as a troop transport during World War II, and over four years carried 100,000 troops on 100 voyages, mainly in the South West Pacific. When new she had two funnels but in 1946 these were replaced by one taller funnel, changing her lines and making her similar to Hinemoa. The funnel was painted top half Union Company and bottom half Huddart Parker.

In 1959 she was sold to Typaldos Lines and renamed Hellas. She was converted to a cruise ship and operated in the Mediterranean until 1966. From this point she remained laid up until she was scrapped in 1989.

For related correspondence go here: TS Taroona, correspondence