Moruya General Cemetery Dwyers Creek Rd Moruya NSW 2537
Cemetery Address
Moruya, NSW
Grave Type
Burial - Grave
Notes
ADC to GG, British Australian New Zealand Antarctic Expeditions 1930-1931
In Command HMS Gleaner, HMA Corvettes Whyalla & Shepparton, HMA Sloop Warrego for beach survey prior to landing operations under fire and Wyatt Earp (Antarctic Exploration Vessel)
A former Norwegian fishing trawler Fanefjord. Purchased by American Explorer Lincoln Ellsworth and converted for his 1933 Antarctic Expedition renaming her for the US Lawman. As Wyatt Earp she served in four expeditions from 1933-1939. In Feb 1939 the vessel was purchased by the Aust Gov and handed over to the RAN for use as a Fleet Auxiliary Vessel (Ammunition and Stores Carrier) to be named Boomerang, however as the name had already been registered she was named Wongala (Aboriginal for Boomerang). Wongala spent most of her career in Sth Aust waters in a number of roles (only once being used as a Stores Carrier) She was laid up in Port Adelaide in 1944. In March 1945 the SA Boy Scouts Assc requested a vessel for Sea Cadet Training and Wongala was assigned this role. In 1947 the Navy was ready to take up Antarctic Survey's and Wongala was brought back into naval service and that in view of her previous voyages to the area as Wyatt Earp, Wongala should return to the name she was known as a pre war exploration vessel. She was recommissioned in Port Adelaide on 17 Nov 1947 under Oom's Command. After service in the Antarctic she was paid off on 30 June 1948. Under civilian ownership and her Wongala name she was lost when washed ashore on the night of 24/25 Jan 1959 near Mudlow Rocks QLD.
Grave low concrete with bronze marker
Sources
Service Record - Australian National Archives
Nominal Roll - Department of Veteran Affairs
DVA Commemoration Details
RAN Sea Power Centre Commander Karl Eric Oom
Karl Eric Oom 1904-1972
