Mission X

In 1942 a ragtag flotilla of Australian freighters, fishing trawlers, tugs, ketches, schooners and launches was assembled to sail under the American flag. As Mission X of the US Army Small Ships Section, they plied deadly waters from Queensland to Papua New Guinea and beyond, being bombed and strafed, hiding by day, landing troops and supplies by night and returning with the wounded and dead. Deemed too old, too young or unfit for regular service, skippers and crew enlisted from coastal towns and villages across southeast Australia. They had the know-how and bravery to navigate the shallow bays, reefs and estuaries of the tropics and establish a lifeline to American and Allied troops in the war against Japan. The Mission X exhibition presents this little-known story of daring and courage by Australians during the Second World War. Mission X is a USA Program of the Australian National Maritime Museum supported by the USA Bicentennial Gift Fund. Image credit: Members of the Staff of the Myer Emporium hanging a giant portrait of General Douglas MacArthur, Commander in Chief, South West Pacific Area, outside the city store in preparation for the celebration of American Independence Day, 1943. Australian War Memorial, 139190. Exhibition produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum.