Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 4 January 1947, page 16


Freak Ship Has Difficult

Trip From Sydney

Built specially for the army for transporting tanks and heavy equipment, the motorship Crusader arrived at North Wharf yesterday, almost 70 hours overdue, aftar a difficult passage from Sydney.

Crusader is described as a freak ship, but Captain Chestnut, the master, who is a former Sydney ferry captain, said that it was the most manoeuvrable ship in Australia. The ship has four rudders, six engines, and six propellers, and is fitted with six electric lifts, each capable of lifting a 30-ton tank for stowage in the ship. She is under-powered because the correct type of Diesel engines were not available when she was launched in 1945.

In the heavy weather encountered in the run from Sydney Crusader averaged only about four knots. She brought 24 tractors and road graders for the Victorian Housing Commis-sion and 900 tons of Army stores.

Major-General C. Steele, designer of the ship, was at the wharf to see her arrive. A Shipping Board representative inspected the vessel, and will report on her suitability for cargo carrying. It is understood that Crusader will be overhauled here and taken to Brisbane for disposal.