The steamer Wimmera, bound from Auckland to Sydney, struck a mine laid north of Cape Maria van Diemen in 1917 by the German raider Wolf. Twenty-six of its 151 passengers and crew were lost.
Merchant Marine
Events In History
7 October 1917
Felix Graf von Luckner earned the epithet Der Seeteufel (the Sea Devil) for his exploits as captain of the German raider SMS Seeadler in 1916–17.
2 June 1917
The steamer Wairuna, en route from Auckland to San Francisco, was captured by the German raider Wolf and later sunk near the Kermadec Islands. The crew of 42 was taken prisoner.
Articles
Merchant marine
On 3 September New Zealand honours Merchant Navy Day. Here we explore the little-known but vital role played by the merchant marine during the First World War, when these civilian seafarers often found themselves in the front line of the war at sea. Read the full article
Page 1 - The merchant marine in the First World War
On 3 September New Zealand honours Merchant Navy Day. Here we explore the little-known but vital role played by the merchant marine during the First World War, when these civilian
Page 2 - The merchant marine goes to war
The outbreak of war in 1914 posed special problems for New Zealand because of its dependence on sea
Page 3 - The Otaki's epic battle
Many Home boats were lost, especially in 1917-18 when Germany stepped up its submarine warfare against Allied commerce. One action stood out, an epic battle between the New
Page 4 - Hospital ships
In May 1915, as casualties mounted at Gallipoli, the government chartered a hospital ship, the Union Company's 5282-ton trans-Tasman liner
Page 5 - The Wahine's wanderings
Most requisitioned ships continued to carry people or cargo. One Union Company ship, however, entered the Royal Navy and bore the prefix HMS. The Wahine was no ordinary
Page 6 - Agony on the Aparima
One of the worst losses of New Zealand lives at sea occurred on the Union Company’s Aparima in
Page 7 - Home waters
The First World War had a dramatic impact on shipping to and from New
Page 8 - Politics, patriotism and protest
Although New Zealand seafarers served in many hostile theatres, some questioned the politics of the
Page 9 - Merchant marine Roll of Honour
This roll lists the names of over New Zealand-born or – resident seafarers who died during the First World War while serving aboard merchant
Page 10 - Further information
Recommended links and publications relating to the New Zealand merchant
Main image: Report on the loss of the Aparima
Evening Post report on the loss of the troopship Aparima.
