Memories of the JVO Ch 2

ssMaritime.com

With Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian

Memories of the JVO

MS Johan van Oldenbarnevelt

Chapter Two

JVO the Trooper

JVO seen here on one of her frequent visits to Liverpool UK

Due to war, the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt was re registered in Batavia in 1939, and was used on the Java to New York service carrying cargo in every possible space, including in her public rooms. On 20 January 1941, she was allocated to the allies and converted for trooping duties by Harland and Wolff. She was able to carry 4,000 troops and came under the management of the Orient Line, but she retained her Dutch crew. After the fall of the Dutch Eastern Colonies, her port of registration for the rest of the war was to be Willemstad Curacao.

During this time, she sailed through enemy-infested water without damage. She became known as the "Lucky Ship." At the end of her war duties still attached to the British Ministry of Shipping as a trooper, she departed Bombay, were she had picked up 3,668 troops, half being Allied POW's awaiting repatriation. Johan van Oldenbarnevelt arrived in Southampton on 29 October 1945 to a tumultuous welcome. On 3 November, she went into dry-dock for fourteen days for various repairs. On 3 December, she sailed to India, Singapore, and Penang, returning to her homeport of Amsterdam on 13 February 1946.

1945 -Anchored in Rotterdam from 4 August 04 to September 10

After her distinguished service, she was finally handed back to the Dutch Government on 11 March 1946. Her sister ship Marnix van St. Aldegonde also served bravely as a trooper, but sadly German aircraft off the Algerian coast torpedoed her. Nearby ships saved all 3,000 troops and crew. She sank one day later whilst under tow, in an attempt to bring her into port.

JVO Returns to her Homeport, Amsterdam, on 13 February 1946

For nine years, she sailed the companies’ route Amsterdam to the Dutch East Indies, with her sister ship the Marnix van St Aldegonde.

Chapter 3 - A New Service

Return to JVO Index

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