McIlwraith McEacharn Limited

 “McIlwraiths” (also known as the Scottish company) was formed in 1875, initially for Australia/Pacific – United Kingdom trade, especially in frozen meat. Early in the 20th Century it commenced Australian coastal trading.

During the Great War, its ship Karoola ( 7391 gt) was requisitioned in 1915 for hospital ship duties, although for her first year she served as a troopship, designated A63. Katoomba served under requisition as a troopship and returnee prisoner-of-war carrier from May 1918 to September 1919.

At the outbreak of the Second World War the company’s fleet comprised ten ships, all operating on the Australian coast:

Requisitioned in August 1939, Kanimbla was first converted to the role of Armed Merchant Cruise, re-converted in April 1943 as a Landing Ship, Infantry and later operated as a troopship carrying personnel, ultimately back to Australia, including released prisoners-of war. Katoomba, despite crossing paths with and being fired upon by a submarine in August 1942, was able to see out its service until 1946.