Melbourne Star
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Melbourne Star
1936 - 1943
Official Number 165326
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The Blue Star Line commenced operations in 1911 with three ships. Owned by the Vestey family, better known for their chain of Dewhurst Butcher’s Shops, the fleet consisted entirely of refrigerated cargo ships. In 1926 the company turned its attentions to the passenger side of the business. At the outbreak of World War II the Blue Star Line had 41 ships scattered around the world and during the following six years, twenty nine ships were lost to enemy action.

 The Melbourne Star (Gross 12,805 tons) was launched in 1936 by Cammell Laird & Co of Birkenhead for the Blue Star Line and was designed to carry passengers and refrigerated cargo. During the World War II she distinguished herself on many occasion before being torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic on Friday 2nd April 1943.

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Winston Churchill said on 27 January 1942

'But for the Merchant Navy who bring us the food and munitions of war, Britain would be in a perilous state and indeed, without them, the Army, Navy and Air Force could not operate'.

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Melbourne Star goes to War

On Monday 28th August 1939, the Admiralty broadcast a message to all British merchant ships ordering them to comply with any sailing or routeing instructions that might be issued by the Naval Authorities. Navigation lights must be dimmed and no other lights must be shown at sea.
Returning to Liverpool from Aukland New Zealand on the 12th December 1939 the Melbourne Star is armed and made ready for war.




This rare photograph taken in Cape Town of  the Melbourne Star showing her guns mounted on the poop deck.
Courtesy John Marsh collection author 'Skeleton Coast'

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About the creator of this website

I have been researching the sinking of the Melbourne Star after learning that my uncle Leonard White, who died in 1995, was one of the four surviving crew members when the Melbourne Star was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic 480 miles south east of Bermuda.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those I have borrowed information from, without this material  I would have been unable to create this website. Thank you.

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Special Thanks

For his help and support which made this website possible.

David Burke
Fleet Personnel Manager (Rtd)
'Blue Star Line'

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Thank you for visiting the Melbourne Star website. I welcome any comments and  suggestions, especially, from the families and relatives of those who were lost whilst serving on this incredible ship.


Email me
melbournestar.one@ntlworld.com

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