S.S. Barunga Print Page

The tree commemorates those who served with the S.S. Barunga during World War One. The tree was planted in 1934 by Mr. L. S. Little and was No. 101 in the ballot. 

Barunga which was on its way to Australia with 800 sick and wounded on board, was torpedoed at 4.30 pm on 15 July 1918. 150 miles south west of the Scilly Isles. Destroyers which had been some miles away were quickly on the scene to pick up survivors and returned them to Plymouth. All hands were saved before Barunga subsequently sank. SS Barunga was formerly the German-Australian liner Sumatra of Hamburg, captured at Sydney, New South Wales, at the outbreak of war. She was requisitioned by the Australian Government and during the period 1915 to 1918 was used to transport troops and or produce in various areas.

One of the most picturesque ceremonies yet held at the Shrine of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, 4th August, when nearly 100 trees will be planted along the main approaches - on the city side. Each tree will represent a Victorian unit or association, and each will be planted by a representative of the unit concerned after a brief, address at 3 p.m. by the chairman of the shrine trustees (Sir H. Chauvel) at the intersection of the main approach and Government House drive. The position of the trees for each unit was selected by ballot. 
Age (Melbourne), 24 July 1934.

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