Burra Bra was the last of the open upper deck passenger ferries used in Sydney Harbour on the Circular Quay-Manly run. She was requisitioned for naval service on 13 November 1942.
After fitting out by Poole & Steel Ltd, Sydney, Burra Bra commissioned on 1 February 1943 under the command of Lieutenant Reginald E Morley, RANR.
The vessel was employed on target towing duties and for anti-submarine training, based at Jervis Bay, NSW. Her duties included co-operation with aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force.
On 25 August 1943 Burra Bra was purchased by the Commonwealth. Burra Bra paid off into reserve at Sydney on 1 June 1944. She was employed for a period as a source of steam supply for vessels undergoing refits.
The ship was sold by auction at Sydney in November 1947.
Specifications
 |
| Type |
Target Vessel |
|---|---|
| Pennant |
BR |
| Builder |
Mort"s Dock and Engineering Company Limited, Sydney |
| Commissioned |
1 February 1943 |
| Decommissioned |
1 June 1944 |
| Dimensions & Displacement | |
| Displacement | 458 tons |
| Length | 195 feet 3 inches |
| Beam | 31 feet 7 inches |
| Draught | 13 feet 5 inches |
| Complement | |
| Crew | 4 officers, 31 sailors |
| Propulsion | |
| Machinery | Triple expansion 100 HP |
| Armament | |
| Guns |
|
| Other Armament | 2 x depth charge chutes |