Page 44 - Leonard Tebbenham
P. 44
SS Nieuw Holland
Image used with permission: http://www.ssmaritime.com/KPM.htm
SS Nieuw Holland was built for KPM (Koninklijke Paketvaart Mij) by the
Nederlandsche Scheepsbouw Co (Netherlands Shipbuilding Co) in Amsterdam.
She was launched on December 1st, 1927. After completion the following year, she headed for
Asia and commenced regular services from Malaya, via Singapore, Dutch East Indies (now
Indonesia), to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Nieuw Holland and her newer sister, Nieuw
Zealand, maintained a regular service between Australia and Asia until the outbreak of the war.
Both KPM sisters were regarded as two of the most graceful pre-war liners to operate between
Australia and Asia, with their magnificently decorated lounges clad with fine timbers featuring
elaborate carvings. Their external appearance gave them a casual tropical feel being pained all
white and buff to yellow funnels.
In 1940, Nieuw Holland was modified to become a troop transport ship for up to 1,000 troops.
Upon completion she joined the Royal Navy, but continued to be operated by her Dutch crew.
Both sister ships joined convoys between UK and Aden. Late in 1941, she received further
modifications in the UK increasing her capacity to 2,000 troops. Both Nieuw Holland and her
sister Nieuw Zealand were part of the November 1942 invasion of North Africa and in convoys to
Bombay and Singapore.
She continued her war duties until being returned to her owners in March 1948 to be restored as a
passenger liner. KPM transferred Nieuw Holland to the newly formed Royal Interocean Lines
