DEPARTURE FROM BRISBANE ON THE USAT SEA CAT  

"On 5 April 1944, we were transported to Bretts Wharf in Brisbane where we were embarked upon the USAT SEA CAT. After the 'Walker' this was a luxury liner. With beds and sheets in a ship built to transport troops, good food, showers, mess stewards, man, this was living. It beat the 'West Point.' The 'Sea Cat' served three meals a day. The only distraction was the Merchant Marine crew and their propensity to strike when anything displeased them. For instance the bathing was stopped half a day because the fresh water distillers were shut down. The crew that operated them was displeased over something and struck for three hours. Those who obey orders do not take kindly to such liberties. There was a war going on, and they resented highly paid civilians putting their interest first. We waited in Brisbane until 7 April,  when we sailed in a northerly direction, destination unknown."

 Bill Calhoun