Sailors Boesidien and Samanuddin were members of the Netherlands Merchant Navy during World War II and are interred at Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. Their service highlights the significant role of Dutch merchant vessels in the Allied efforts in the Pacific.
Boesidien (1909–1942):
Born in Bengkalan, Java, Boesidien served aboard the MV Maetsuycker, a vessel of the Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM) line. Following the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies in 1942, many KPM ships, including the Maetsuycker, evacuated to Australia. These ships were subsequently integrated into Allied operations, transporting troops and supplies to critical fronts such as New Guinea. Boesidien died in Brisbane on 27 August 1942 at the age of 30.
Samanuddin (1906–1943):
Originally from Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh), Samanuddin also served in the Netherlands Merchant Navy. He passed away in Brisbane on 16 July 1943. While specific details about his service are limited, his presence in Brisbane underscores the city’s role as a strategic hub for Allied naval operations during the war.
The two graves photographed on 10 February 2025
The Netherlands Merchant Navy in the Pacific
At the onset of World War II, the Netherlands possessed one of the world’s largest merchant fleets. The Japanese advance into Southeast Asia forced numerous Dutch vessels to seek refuge in Australia. These ships were vital to the Allied war effort, particularly in the South West Pacific Area, where they transported troops, equipment, and supplies to various fronts. The KPM fleet, in particular, played a crucial role in supporting operations in New Guinea and other Pacific islands.
The contributions of sailors like Boesidien and Samanuddin are commemorated at Toowong Cemetery, serving as a testament to the collaborative efforts of Allied forces during World War II.
