SS Monawai

[Lou Barron]

It was 69 years ago yesterday that i was to leave Changi Jail being very fortunate to be one of the lucky ones to leave that place and to embark on one of my best trips at sea.
We boarded the Monawai with a fanfare of bands playing and a lot of service people it was a day that my mates and i loved.
The voyage was one we got treated very well infact i think i put on weight by the time we landed in Liverpool .
There was about 800 hundred ex pow*s but only six MN seamen but some of the crew looked after us .
It was a trip i will never forget

[Richard Quartermaine]

Lou, I remember the Monowai well and on her NZ Australia runs. Here is a link for you. http://www.ssmaritime.com/Monowai.htm
Richard

[happy daze john in oz]

Lou you were one of the lucky ones, so many never made it after the horrors of that camp and others there.
You have done well since and made a good life for yourself and family, well done mate, I take my hat off to you.

[Keith Moody]

very interesting reading Richard, i remember seeing her when i was in NZ back in the 1950`s or 60`s
keith moody
R635978

[Des Taff Jenkins]

HI Lou.
I was on board the Monawai a few times in the 50s and 60s in Auckland had some mates on her. I believe she ended her trips between NZ and Aus as there were more ring bolts [Stowaways]than passengers, but she would have been in better condition when you were on her, and thank God you were, good memories of that trip I imagine.
Cheers Des

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[Captain Kong]

Here is a photo of our Lou by the returned Far East POW Monument on the Liverpool Pier Head last year, the Monowai `s` name is on top.
Cheers
Brian

[cappy]

found that sequence very enjoyable richard a grand set of photos.....of a grand old lady and other vessels....regards cappy

[Jim Brady]

I was pleased to attend the unveiling ceremony of the FEPOW memorial at the Pier Head on behalf of Lou and I was able to obtain the booklet of the day's proceedings which I then forwarded on to Lou,as it happened the Monawai was on the front of the booklet.
Regards.
Jim.B.

[Richard Quartermaine]

Brian, Here is a cut out off your picture which highlights the wording of the Monument.
Richard

[Captain Kong]

Thanks Richard,
Lou is pointing at the `DUCHESS OF BEDFORD`, a ship he sailed on before he was sunk on the Gloucester Castle`.
The Duchess later became the `Empress of France`. that I and some more on the site have sailed on.
Cheers
Brian