Montewideo Maru

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Montewideo Maru story rekindles old memories - Local News - News - General - Wimmera Mail Times

A WIMMERA ex-British Merchant Navy officer is part of an international navy officer network gathering information on sailors and war tragedies including the Montevideo Maru.

Dimboola resident Glenn Baker is an ex-British Merchant Navy second officer.

Mr Baker served as a merchant navy officer after the Second World War.

"I sailed with a lot of men who stayed at sea," he said.

"I have many friends, ex-captains, chief officers and we're in touch with each other via email.

"We talk about old experiences at sea and ships we were on.

"We are scattered right around the world."

Horsham resident Irene Matthews wrote to the Mail-Times to remember the lives of Wimmera men who lost their lives in the Montevideo Maru tragedy.

A US submarine torpedoed an unmarked Japanese prison ship, Montevideo Maru, on July 1, 1942 with more than 1000 Australians on board.

Mr Baker told the Mail-Times there were survivors from the Montevideo Maru accident.

"Some did survive," Mr Baker said.

"They were covered in oil and they were picked up by a submarine later on.

"It was an horrific time because it was sunk by allies."

Mr Baker has worked with other merchant navy officers to help trace officers' relatives.

He was born in England and went to sea when he was 14, spending 24 years sailing.

"I came to Dimboola 14 years ago," he said.

"I liked the town. Everyone said hello."

Mr Baker said people searching for information on what happened to those on board Montevideo Maru could visit
Montevideo Maru.