Orkney Image Library

I immigrated to Australia wih my family on the Anna Salen from Germany to Melbourne arriving on the 16 Octomber 1954. I am unable to find any passenger list records for that year. Any information would be great.

Im the Grand daughter of Ilse Kirchhoff who was on the the Anna Salen ship with her family in 1954. Bound for Aust. She would be thrilled if I could find someone who was on the same ship as her. Look foward to contacting someone:)

My family was on that crossing. I was only 6 years old but remember going into lifeboats and landing. Also hit quite a storm on the way to Halifax.

My mother Gerda Olejniczak arrived in Australia July 1954 on the Anna Salen
I am interested in any information and passenger lists.

My partner, his sister and parents (OTT family) arrived into Australia from Germany on the Anna Salen in December 1954. Would be happy to hear from anyone that arrived the same time.

I came to Australia on the 16 of October 1954
with the Anna Salen at Port Melboune

My husband and his sister and Parents (Schulze family) arrived from germany in 1953 in Australia on this ship..have not been able to find any lists, any contact would be great..

I was 8 years old when I sailed on the Anna Salen and arrived in Australia in October 16 1954
I can remember that it was a rough trip

I have a couple of pictures taken on that 1953 voyage of the ship loading and my inlaws and husband on board if anyone is interested in seeing them email me at [email protected]

My Mom and Dad and I arrived in Quebec City Aug, 2,1953 on the Anna Salen from Bremen Germany. I was 7 months old. I would love to be in touch with anyone who was on that voyage with us. Both my parents, Albert and Ruth Jansen, are alive and well. We live in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada. I have a few pictures of some folks on the ship. My email address is [email protected] and I would love to hear from you.

I was a passenger along with my parents and 2 brothers on the trip in Aug. 1952 have pictures of us sitting on deck with life jackets that night, would like to contact anyone eles on that trip

Was a passenger on the 1952 trip from Germany to Halifax was 8 years old remember it very well, can be contacted at [email protected]

Am still keen to contact anyone who was on the Voyage to Australia arriving April 1953

Great greeting to my brother Hans Hagemeier, I received yor letter last week and this letter make me happy,very happy,my greetings to all family, sister Margaret, John and Reiner.
I shall writte soon! Writte to my adress [email protected]

My name is Rita Harsant (nee Tesch) and I travelled to Australia aboard the Anna Salen with my sister, Monica and parents Heinz and Edith. We arrived in July 1954. I was 6 months old at the time. We were sent to Bonegilla Immigration Camp in Victoria and moved from there to Melbourne. I would love to contact anyone who may have knowledge/memories of that period.
My email is: [email protected]

In reply to (nee Tesch) My parents were on the July 1954 arrival with my older brother Manfred who was 2 years old at the time. They to were sent Bonegilla, but only stayed there for a number of weeks before buying a small truck and driving to Adelaide where my father gained work as a carpenter.
Their stay at Bonegilla was not overly pleasant as the weather was very cold at the time and the huts had no supplied heating, however my parents did buy an electric heater where allowed to plug it into the light socket by one of the supervisors even though it was against camp rules.
My parents also did not like the food that came from the camp kitchen.
I will be seeing my mother in a few weeks and ask for more first hand details.

In reply to Ralph Olson. I would love to hear of any details your mother may remember. My parents died many years ago and spoke very little of their time at Bonegilla and the voyage out here. I do have a couple of photos taken on board during the voyage. My father was also a carpenter. My sisite, Monica was also two at that time. Wonder if they may have played together?

Anyone who came from Germany to Canada on about 26 October , 1953 aboard the Anna Salen - my Father In Law was on this voyage , Arthur Schatz- anyone remember him ? Love to hear from you .

My goodness I litle knew when I put the photograph of this damaged ship onto this site how far the interest would travel!!.
Thank you so much, As Billy Conolly said "You have made a happy man very old"!!

[This stuff is solid gold for my talk to the Family History Society in a couple of week.... - Steven]

To John Budge, It was a whim in Sept. 2010 that I typed in the name of our ship The Anna Salen, once on the site it made me think of our voyage and a start of a new life in a new country, and at the present time I am writting a book about our trip and our lives in Canada. Am going back to Germany this Thursday to do some research, thanks for the motivation. Hans Hagemeier

We have been back to Poland and Germany twice to do family research and look at all the places my husbands ancestors came from.. we watch this page with interest in the hope that someone else on that ship with my husband will turn up but so far they are all other voyages.

My father was a bright-eyed 20 year old on his way to Canada aboard the Anna Salen when it was struck in 1952.

He says that he and his roommates were quartered so far in belly of the ship that they didn't even bother getting out of bed. They were prepared to go down with the ship, Titanic style. Eventually the steward did come down and chase them out onto deck, where the captain was telling people not to jump overboard. He was warning them that they wouldn't last five minutes in the frigid North Atlantic waters. My dad says they just looked at the captain like he was nuts: they weren't about to jump in there!

While they were waiting for repairs, my dad made friends with the American Olympic synchronized swim team, who taught him some English.

I came to Australia on the Anna Salen arriving in Melbourne on 16 October 1954. I came with my parents Walter and Ingeborg Doose. My mother worked for the Purser and my father taught English on the ship. Only have vague memories of this voyage but do remember the Suez Canal and Aden. Does anyone know how to get a passenger list?

My father (Klaus Uthmann) departed Germany and arrived October 1954 in Australia on the Anna Salen. He was 11 at the time and traveled with his father (Ferdinand), his mother (Maria), his brothers Ferdinand and Erwin, plus his sisters Mechthild, Helga and Monika.

My mum (Frauke Schleyer) also arrived on the Anna Salen in October 1954 as a six year old with her family. She remembers a rough time at sea and was quite ill most of the journey. Her mother was separated to look after a younger brother while mum and 3 other siblings were on another deck. She remembers being looked after by another parent and she would like to thank her one day if possible. There does not appear to be much information available about this journey and it has been interesting to read all the comments

I am looking on behalf of my father (Ernst Dieter Tews, possibly Meyer) who was nearly 12 when he arrived in Australia in October 1954, with his mother and step-father (Irmgard and Herman Meyer) and his sisters (Irmgard (Puppi) and Helga).
He is looking for any information at all that anyone can give him.
You can email me at [email protected]

I was on the Anna Salen in October 1953 with my parents Daniel and Maria Kendl. I gather from talking to my mother that Dad and I spent most of the voyage "hanging over the rails". The pictures are fascinating.

We left Bremmen on the 15 Nov. 1953 on the Anna Salen. My dad's name was Theo Haarmann we had a very good trip till we got in middle of the Pacific and turned on the second water tank for drinking and in Aden they filled it with sea water. I was ten when we left.

My father Manfred Roick was on the Anna Saeln from Bremerhaven to canada landing in Quebec on August 3rd, 1953. If you were on this ship with him I would love to know if you have any pictures. My eamil is [email protected]

My father came over from Bremerhaven to Canada in 1953. I have four pictures of him on the ship with some other passengers. Not sure if their friends or people he met on board. I also have the postcard he wrote to my mom before the ship left port. It is post marked 02.7.53. If anyone knows when the ship left port an what day and port it arrived in Canada.

I was a passenger of the Anna Salen sailing from Bremerhaven/Germany on June 16, 1952, arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Pier 21) on June 25th, 1952.
I can be contacted at [email protected]. - May 25, 2012

MV ANNA SALEN. October 1953 from Bremerhaven to Levis(Quebec). I was a single passenger (32 years)
"way below", bunk beds. My family joined me the following year. I am now a greatgrandfather living in Ottawa and everybody is well. What were the exact dates of departure and arrival? I shall be grateful for any information. The kids want to know! Oh yes: I was not sea-sick!

MV ANNA SALEN October 1954 from Breberhaven to Melbourne with my Parents Erich, Tilly and Sister Antje.I was 15 years old and have very fond memories of our trip over. To date I have not heard or met anyone from this trip.

My parents, two sisters, and I were on The Anna Salen when it left Bremerhaven on Dec 17 1951, and arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax on Dec 29. My sisters and I have been trying to gather as much information as possible on our stay in DP camps (one in Heilbronn from 1946 to 1951) in many locations in Germany since we were taken from Poland by the Germans in 1942. We have a fair bit of info already but would like to fill in many gaps. Please let me know if you can help. Thank you.

My parents and my eldest brother (Gunter, Inge & Gunter Jnr ANDRES) were on the Anna Salen in 1954 (10th October) when it travelled from Bremerhaven to Melbourne. They went onto Bonegilla by train and from there to Villawood. Anyone who has any photos or remembers them - wold love to hear from you. Both my parents are in their 80's now and have never spoken much of their journey. Cheers Karin ([email protected])

I arrived on the Anna Salen on 16 October 1954 from Bremerhaven in Melbourne I like find some one that came at the same time. Hope to hear from some one
Ilona

I was a 6 year old passenger on the Anna Salen along with my 12 year old sister and Mother and Father. We left from Bremerhaven and arrived in Melbourne a few days before Christmas 1953. We went my train to Bonegilla and the onto Orange and then went to Adelaide to live. My sister later married some one also who was on that same boat in 1953.

I was on the Anna Salen from Bremerhaven to Melbourne arriving in October 1954. I was 6 years old at the time. My
father worked on the Anna Salen and did several trips to Canada and Australia before the 1954 journey as an immigrant, including the ill fated trip from Helsinki. He was quartermaster on that trip. I have a few photos, some old film etc. If anyone is interested please contact me.

I have other photos of the Anna Salen including some taken after the accident as my father worked on the Anna Salen on this trip and others. Later, in October 1954 our family came to Melbourne from Bremerhaven on this ship.

Bridget could you please email me.
I am interested in some photos\film

Brigitte; I was 8 years old on the trip in 1952 if you have any pictures I would be very interested.

I was 4 years old when I came to Halifax Canada from Le Havre aboard the Anna Salen in December 1951. I think I still remember the funny, unpleasant smell from the dining room or cafeteria. My parents were both too seasick to enjoy the food in any case. Several alarms in apparently the worst storm on the North Atlantic in 25 years at the time.

I came across this site while researching on this migrant ship. I too arrived here in October 1954 and had my 7th birthday on board (19/09). Have just laboriously translated a voyage account by my father ( deceased) and found it fascinating. My own memories are vague, could not find much on migration records or ship information. I wanted to find out about the ship layout as we were a family of 8 and were split into different locations on the ship. I am retired now and want to delve deeper.

I came to Canada on the Anna Salen, in 1952 from Bremer Haven to Quebec, I was 6 years old, I cannot seem to find a passenger list

Eduard and Frieda Puncken with children Hannelore, Dieter and Hilke arrived on the Anna Salen 2nd July 1954.
We went to Bonegilla and then on to Wacol migrant camp in Brisbane. I am Hilke and was 9 years old and have many memories of this time. Recently I obtained interesting information from the immigration museum in Melbourne. They have passenger lists and data of families.

My father sailed on the Anna Salen April 1954 to Port Melbourne from Greece. Konstandions Koukoutatsios would be grateful to hear from anyone who was on that voyage or who can remember my father.

One year old, arrived December 1953

I posted earlier, re my trip across the Atlantic on the Anna Salen, I now have more details.

My mother, myself (6 yrs old) and my two yr old brother sailed and arrived at Halifax on November 16 1951. Prior to sailing we were held in a DP camp for months, because every scheduled boarding was denied because my brother always presented with a slight elevated fever. I remember my mother feeding him lemon juice, just prior to testing to hopefully reduce his temperature.

I remember the camps vividly, rows and rows of beds of women and children, going to the camp houses for meals,and also seem to remember women crying lots.

Our trip across the Atlantic was severe in the midst of winter, my mother was very ill, and could not come up out of the bunks, I would have to go to the cafeteria and bring food down for my brother. Once we arrived in Halifax, we went on the train to Quebec city, where, the car we were on, with many other women and children, was for some reason moved around on the tracks, and left miles away from the station. It was cold, no food, and my mother had some Oreo cookies, not sure why, or where she got them, but I remember being on that track for more than a day and a night, and eating nothing but Oreo cookies. Finally one of the single women on the train decided to walk to get help, and really, they had lost and forgotten about us. I must admire, all the women, who , in that time, survived the entire journey, from the DP camps, to their final destination.

Believe my father may have come to Australia on the Anna Salen in 1954/1955, possibly landing in Western Australia. He was of German origin , named Gutav Ernst Rauch. he was an electrican by trade.

My parents and almost 3 year old brother arrived in Melbourne from Bremerhaven on this ship, March 13 1955. It docked in the evening and passengers disembarked the following day.
I would be greatful for any information as I have been unable to find any records.

For those wanting to access records try the National Archives of Australia. Either do a family name search or search for the Anna Salen specifically. Good luck all. My grandparents came out in 1954 and I have managed to find some records for them but not for viewing. Will have to buy copies!

My parents arrived from Greece on the Anna Salen in 1955 arriving in Port Melbourne. There names were Efstratia and Evangelos Gianneli. They had a small child 18 months old. If anyone knows any information please email me [email protected]. When they arrived they were seperated for a few months. Mum went to Bonegilla and I don't know what happened to my father during that time.

My Mother, brother and I travelled on the Anna Salen from Germany and arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax Aug.25th 1951 from Germany. I was 1 year old at the time. I am searching any information that may help me to locate my own documentation since my parents had long ago lost my landing papers and other important information. I am now 63 and am having difficulty with my proof of citizenship and arrival.
Names of DP camps, ports that the ship sailed FROM in Germany.

My father, Herbert Miscchke, came across from Germany on the Anna Salen in 1952 with many men who were hired to work in Algonquin Park cutting trees. They lived in Pembrook ON on off days. Dad saved enough for my mother and brother to come live by December the same year. Dad and Mom are now gone but if anyone also travelled on that work crew I would love to hear from you.

I came from Germany on the Anna Salen in July 1954, as a ten year old with my Mother and Stepfather, Anna Dorks and Walther Dorks. A;so my 22 year old brother Kurt Heimes. We left from Cuxhaven and arrived in Melbourne. We travelled to Adelaide with my Stepfather's Brother. I am the only one left now and would love to hear from anyone who travelled with us.

I travelled to Fremantle port With my mother Pauline sinczuk and father sinczuk my name is Hilde sinczuk I since married 2 sons hughes arrived in Fremantle Anna Salena exactly on the 31st of dec 1950 I was 2 years old my birthday we spent a few months in Northam camp have a few old photos there still is a large community of poles and Germans living there now I am now 64

I came from Germany on the Anna Salen on the 2nd July 1954 as a 3 year old with my parents Heinz and Emmy Klibschon, my sister Monika age 11, brother Gerhard age 7, and my brother Karl age 23 months. We left from Bremerhaven, arrived in Melbourne, and went to Bonegilla, then on to the Wacol Migrant camp in Brisbane. Both my parents are deceased, so any photos or information about the trip and destinations would be much appreciated. I would love to hear from anyone who travelled with us.

To Caz Nizman - i am trying to help a friend who's parents and young sister were on the Anna Salen on the same date your family was. She said all they know is they arrived Halifax approx. Dec 29, 1951 Pier 21. They destroyed all info years ago when the parents died and now they are trying to find any info even about the ship list, etc. Her mother was born in Minsk, Russia and her father Jan Dekiel in Province of Prosno in Poland. If you can help in any way even with a ship list or other info - they would love to find out. THanks so much.

hi I have been trying to find a list of passengers from the Ana Salen that arrived in Halifax in late 1951. I believe they (my in-laws) arrived in either late Oct or early December. They sailed from Bremen, stopped in Le havre and continued to Halifax. I am trying to get any info from that time. I would appreciate any assistance.

My father came to Halifax, Canada July 1951 aboard the Anna Salen. Is there anyone else around that remembers that voyage?

Hi, my grandparents Gunther and Eleonore Jensen landed in Australia on April 18 1953. From Germany (Both now unfortunately deceased) If anyone has any information on this particular voyage please don't hesitate to contact me. Kim. [email protected]

My father, Pandelis (Pantelis)Angelidis departed from Piraeus, Greece and arrived in Melbourne, Australia December 1953 before being sent to Bonegilla then Armidale, NSW before settling in Melbourne.

My husband came out as a 14 yr old on the Anna Selen in June 1955 around the 16th? He boarded In Bremen. With his mother father & two sisters. His name is Gunter Franz Rieger now 73. his mother Lidia, father Franz coming from Gaggenau in the Black Forest area of Germany. he would love to contact others who came out at this time.

my mom came from germany with 3 kids on april 19 1951,,,,,,,,are there any lists of names or pics..would love to see more.......dad was already here establishing a job and home for his family.

My mom landed in Halifax with 3 small children on April 19, 1951...................wondering if anyone else was on that voyage

Looking for German migrants who departed from Bremen, leaving in May 1955

My dad came over on August 7th, 1953 from Bremerhaven to Quebec City. Was anyone else on this voyage. Im going to download all his pics.

My mother, along with her parents and siblngs were passengers on the Anna Salen, sailing from Bremerhave, Germany on June 16, 1952 arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Pier 21) on June 25, 1952. I can be contacted at [email protected]

I also was on the Anna Salen that sailed from Bremen to Halifax that arrived in Halifax on December 29,1951. Mr. Caz Nizman we were on that same voyage.

I arrived with my parents (Walter & Ruth Mittelstedt)and sister on July 2 1954 in Melbourne on the Anna Salen. I estimate our stay at Bonegilla at about one month after which we went by train to Adelaide.

My mother Maria (Bartoli)Jerala, my sister Lilliana, and myself, Anna left Braverhaven Germany and arrived in Halififax Nova Scotia in Dec. 1951. We were heading for Malartic Quebec. Where my father Francesco Jerala arrived in Sept. 1951 on the General Stugis. Some of the families we remember from Fiume, Istria,Dalmatia were: Racozzi, Buscemi, Guido Frank, Traven. Our parents are deceased. Lilliana lives I Grimsby Ontario. I live in New York City. If anyone was on that journey, we would like to hear from you.

I was on the ship Anna Salen May 1955 from Germany.
My father was Wilhelm Maurer, mother Dorothea Maurer, my sister Hannerose and me Marliese. We went to Bonegilla then lived in Geelong

My Family including myself left Bremerhafen in January 1955 on the Anna Salen via Multa, Greece Aden then Perth Melbourne and arrived in Sydney March 1955
Where are the Passenger List for this Event?

I'm trying to find the passenger list from Bremen to Quebec City August 1953. My father was on this voyage

Looking for records on a passenger list for the Anna Salen. Left Germany and arrived in Australia, June 1955

I would like to hear from Marliese Stanley who seems to have been on the Anna Selen the same time as my husband Gunter Rieger.

There's the start of a book here

Myself and my mother brothers and sisters arrived from Malta on the Anna Salen in Melbourne on March 13th of 1955' it's our 60th anniversary today in this wonderful country, I was only 18months old so I do not remember the ship or the trip, but would love to hear your stories , congrats to all love and peace Martin Debono

Hello we would love to find out more information if you can help. My mother and parents (Trautmann) travelled from Germany 6 December 1953 bound for Melbourne. Once arriving travelled by train to Sydney and stayed at Villawood and Scheyville before moving to Oberon. Please email [email protected] this blog has been a very interesting read thank you. Angela

My father (Karl Heinz Mathein) and his family (father - Hans Heini Mathein, Mother - Emmi Mathein, brother - Thomas Mathein & sister - Helga Mathein) traveled from Bremerhaven Germany to Australia aboard the Anna Salen in 1954. I do not know the exact arrival date. I have seen immigration documents and medical examination paperwork and it is all dated April/May 1954. If anyone can provide more information it would be much appreciated.
Brent Mathein

Hi my husbands mother father and brother came on the Anna Salen on 31st December 1950 from Germany. They were very quiet people and did not say much. I'm trying to do family tree for my husband and finding hard to get information. If any one has any information or photos I would really appreciate it.

Hi. I am trying to build a picture of my family's history. My grandparents, Robert and Klara Teran and their children - Robert, Sieve, Istvan and Norbert travelled in Anna Salen from Bremerhaven (departing 14 March 1953)to Melbourne (April 1953. If anyone knows them, has photos or any information about them, I would love to hear from you

My father Ewald Risse, his first wife Waltraud (Bahl) and my half-brother Walter (born 1953) arrived at Melbourne on the 16th of October 1954. He returned in 1957, some years later my brother followed him, but Waltraud Risse (or Bahl) lived in Australia until the 70's. I have always been curios about that time; and there must be at least two more half-sisters still (?) living in Australia ... So I was glad to find this site and maybe there ist someone who came across with my realtives in Australia. Anyway I want to collect more information about what happened on the ship and the years after.

I have a few photos from that voyage Tanya Rissman
I sent an email but maybe you didnt get it

Gwen, would you be willing to share the photos with me? My father and his family were on that voyage. [email protected]

I left Bremerhaven and arrived in Melbourne on the 16th Otober 1954 age 7 years with my father Freidrich Wilhem Kirchhoff mother Ilse Kirchhoff and little brother Wolfgang .Does anyone have some information? I still can remember a little from that time and have some photos of our journey.

My mother and father, Mary and Peter and my brother Paul and myself Zenna 4 years old at the time travelled on the Anna Salen Oct. 9-18, 1951. My mother and brother were seasick the whole voyage. My father and I walked the decks. We had to arrive in Quebec City as there were cracks in the bow and we could not go to Pier 21 in Halifax.
awe settled in sault Ste. Marie Ontario. Any others out there who were on board on that trip?

I was 14 years old when I travelled with my parents Heinz & Maria Schuchardt & my little sister from Bremerhaven on the Anna Salen in 1954, arriving on the 16th of October in Melbourne. Does anyone remember me? Would love to hear from someone.
My e-mail address is: [email protected]

I have diary entries, photos and other material pertaining to the voyage of the Anna Salén from Bremerhaven to Halifax, June 16-25, 1952. I was aboard, 20 years old at the time.
Peter Hessel. Tel. (+49) 4221 97301 52 [email protected]#www.peterhesseltranslator.com

I was 8 years old whilst on board the Anna Salen. We departed from Bremer haven in 1953 and arrived on my 9th birthday 1954 at Melbourne. Our family name was Neubauer.

Hi, My mother's name is also Helga and travelled around the same time.

My parents left Greece on the Anna Salen and arrived in Melbourne in December 1953. They relocated to Adelaide a few months later, and I was born in 1954. I am surprised to see that the Anna Salen was a rather small ship.

May I ask how many replies have followed since this Photograph I put on this site and is it a record number?. I have tried to count the replies but am unable to do so , anyway little did I think when the photo was put on just the amount of interest it would generate .

[It's definitely the most comments on the site John. I make it 92 before this one - Steven

Thank you Steven I knew it is a lot and some are sad reading as most who have contacted the site were D Ps (Displaced Persons)following the upheaval in Europe following the WW11 . So many sad children torn from the lives they knew in Poland and Germany to be transported to a foreign land and the unknown. Most likely made good but a very sad time for so many who had already suffered the ravages of war. I note one correspondent using this info for a book he is writing on this very subject.

I have finished my book about our trip in 1952 and our life in Canada. If John Budge is interested he can contact me and I would send him a copy on DVD.

I'm trying to find the passenger list from Bremen to Quebec City August 1953. My father was on this voyage. Trying to find any other people who traveled with him
Added by Jeffry on 08 February 2015

I am trying to locate a passenger list from the Anna Salen leaving from Bremen 24 June 1950 arriving Melbourne 29 July 1950, Thank you

I am also trying to locate a passenger list for the Anna Salen leaving Bremen 24 June 1950 and arriving Melbourne 29 July 1950. Thank you

Hello Alice Devolle i have come across a copy of the passenger list of the Anna Salen for your listed dates but it is a hard copy. If you tell me who you are looking for I will be only to happy to scan and email you a copy of the page (s)

Hi Alice contact the Australian national archives for the passenger list you are looking for that's what I did small fee attached but worth it, www.naa.gov.au/collection/explore/migration/passengers.aspx

Reading through each of the listed voyages the Anna Salem had made to a number of countries around the world transporting immigrants, i would be interested to find out how many voyages this ship made to each of those countries carrying immigrants to their new homeland.

Muscardin Family. Our father came to Canada on the Anna Salen. He has the ships name as 'Santa Anna Salen'. To Halifax from Bremen Haven and landed April 1951. Pier 21 records do not show the ship landing in 1951. If anybody can provide more information, greatly appreciated.

A look at the Internet suggests Anna Salen was a member of the family of Swedish businessman Sven Salen who bought the ship and re-named her. While Sven's family may have been saintly for all I know, I think 'Santa' must be a figment of your father's imagination, or faulty memory, Dean.

Thank you Ian. Anybody out there that arrived on the Anna Salen to Halifax April 19th, 1951? Dean

Anybody out there that arrived on the Anna Salen in 1953?

The S.S. before "Anna Salén" obviously referred to Steam Ship. If anyone wishes to have the real Ms. Anna Salén sanctified posthumously, I'll sign the petition. Why not? Everybody else seems to be getting sanctified these days. Peter Hessel (Bremerhaven-Halifax, June 1952).

Hi Annemarie
My dad arrived in 1953 to Canada from Bremen

Yes April 1953 The Schulze Family including my husband who was an infant

Error: The Anna Salén was not S.S., but M.S. (Motor Ship).

The Schulze family above arrived in melbourne 1953...not usa

I have just been reading the daily Anna Salen Newsheets for the voyage May to July 1954 from Cuxhafen to Melbourne. Swedish captain.
No bedding on deck please. Do not lie around in bed all day because you are sea sick. A daily homily from a Catholic and a Protestant padre. Look after your children on deck. Danger of sunburn. Don't let traders from Aden into your cabin. Return the table tennis equipment by 5:00pm. Don't sleep on deck at night even if the cabins are stifling hot. Return the deck chairs by 5 :00pm and do not stow them in the lifeboats! The quality of the food is the same, it is tasteless because you have lost your appetite:) Fresh water will be rationed after Aden. Earthquake survivors will be picked up From the port of Piraeus. Treat them kindly. Library, kindergarten and English classes available . Please return your books. Two babies and an elderly lady died during the voyage. Fascinating! During WW2 the Anna Salen was an aircraft carrier, the Archer.

Take a look at wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Archer_(D78)
Lots there

I posted the original photograph in Jan 2008. Never dreaming it would create so much interest.

[It's the most commented picture on the site by far John, well done! - Steven]

My grandfather, Czeslaw Rowinski, and grandmother, Katyrzyna Skewers both came to Halifax aboard the Anna Salen in 1952. My father, who would have been 2 at the time, and his brother were with them as well. Very little is known regarding their whereabouts prior to leaving Europe. They both had been displaced from Poland and the Ukraine during the war. They had been in DP camps we believe in France and Germany, as my father recalls my grandfather telling a story of working in Paris for the US Army. If anyone has any information to share about DP camps in Germany, specifically around Breman, please share.

My late father arrived in Halifax from Germany on The Anna Salen on Dec. 29, 1951. He described it as a grueling experience. He worked in the kitchen. Most days they fed very few people because of sea sickness. He said he made it through by sucking lots of lemons.

My 18 yr old father Rainer Schmollinger and his Mother (my grandmother) Gertrude (Trude) Aulerich and partner Egon arrived in Melbourne on the Anna Salen 16 June 1955 from Freiburg Germany, boarded in Bremen. Both settled in Melbourne but now both sadly deceased.

Hello Michele Black
It sounds like the same voyage my Husband and his family were on. His name is Gunter Rieger..his story is earlier on this thread. Fam. Franz & Lydia Rieger and children..Hildtrud 18, Gunter 14 and Angelica 4yrs. Gunter & Hildtrud only members left and both are poor in health.
Do you have any photos to share share with us please?

Hello Helen, unfortunately none on the ship. I have photos of my grandmother and father in Freiburg before they emigrated. Sorry to hear about your husband ill health. Kind regards

Hi Helen I have 3 photos of my sister and I on board ship, but dont know how to down load them

Suggest sharing by email

Hi...my dad came from Germany to Australia on the Anna Salen in 1954. I think the ship stopped in Greece somewhere. Not sure where he arrived with the pictures of the ship there are pictures of Albury Western Australia, not sure if this is significant.

Hello Monica, that is the same voyage I came on. I was 5 years old at the time. Do you have any pictures? We cannot seem to find a passenger list of that voyage.

Hi, My grandfather, Johann Popp was on the Anna Salen from Bremen to Quebec. He arrived in Canada July 11, 1953. Was anyone on this specific crossing? Thank you.

My ex wife, her sister and parents arrived on the Anna Salen in 1954 and then went to the Commonwealth Immigration Centre, Bonegilla
before settling in Mitcham in Melbourne.

SAUTER Franz; Waltraud (nee Turowski) ; Sylvia and Petra travelled per ANNA SALEN in 1954
I am currently researching family history

Has anyone been able to find the passenger list for this ship to Canada? My dad came over in 1953 to Quebec City.

Does anyone have photos of the crossing from Bremerhaven to Halifax in June 1952?

Hi Martin, I too was on the Anna Salen which left Malta on the 8th February 1955 and arrived in Melbourne around the 12 of March, with my mother and father, and brother. I was 5 years old and am trying to obtain same information about the trip.

Peter, I have some pictures of that trip please contact me by e-mail.

for the trip Germany to Australia arriving Melbourne 2.7.1954 contact the Immigration Museeum in Melbourne, they have a passenger list however one has to pay for this archive. I came on this ship as a 9 year old.

The National Archives also have information about Passengers. You can access that online for free.

Hi Maria Buhagiar I believe the Anna Salen departed Malta on the 29th of January of 1955; and arrived in Melbourne on the 13th of March 1955; the voyage took 36 days, my brother is checking the passenger manifests to see if your family were on board, cheers Martin Debono

Anna Salen arriving in Melbourne/Australia 30 March 1952, my grandfather was 19 years old at the time and is of German heritage. Was anyone on this journey and may recall Ulrich Gatzky. I have found a record on national archives but am hoping for more information. Tia

I arrived from Germany in 1954 left Bremerhaven early March arrived in Melbourne in April around Easter. I know the months are correct as I actually turned 8 on board 28th March unable to find the exact arrival time it was the Anna Salen. Is there anyone that can verify arrival date. Just curious!

A wee bit of surfing shows that this ship was built as the cargo ship Mormcland but completed as HMS Archer, a Long Island class escort carrier. Her transmission was always undependable so she became a merchant aircraft ferry, the Empire Lagan. Her history as HMS Archer is quite interesting. There is a film taken on board Anna Salen to be found on the Wikepedia article on HMS Archer

My parents, (Cordina) brother Joseph aged 15 months and myself, Helen aged 5 months old arrived in Australia January 1955 from Malta

I am researching my family history, I know my grandmother and 6 girls ranging from 1 year to 14 were on the Anna Salen from Brem Germany and landed in NS August 25, 1951 looking for anything thank you.

My Father (Gotthard Wagner) and his Brother (Dieter Wagner) were on the July 2nd, 1953 trip from Bremen to Quebec. I would love to get any info (photos of life on board, passenger list, etc...).

LOOKING for anyone who came on the ship Anna Salen, August 3.1953 arriving in Quebec City.They departed from Bremerhaven, Germany, July 1953.

Looking for anyone who arrived in Quebec City on August 3, 1953 from Bremerhaven, Germany. I have a few pics.

I commented before on the picture, my dad Wilhelm definitely came in 1954. Unsure of the month. I do have a couple of pics from the ship of some people i do not know..one of them is not exactly PC for today's times so i won't share here...my dad ended up working on the snowy mpuntains scheme. Email me on [email protected] if you think there may be a link.

Hi Werner. My dad was on that voyage. Please contact me

My grandfather was on board the Anna Salen, landed in Melbourne 16th June 1955. His name is Paul T Schulz. He is Polish, but would have boarded the ship in Germany. Does anyone have any information about him, or have any links to useful websites to find out more?
I am just starting the journey of his past, and any information would be so so helpful. Regards, Alexandra

I arrived in Halifax with my mother on the Anna Salen on Dec. 29, 1951. My mother recalled a terrible storm which damaged the rudder and took days to repair. As a cautionary measure the ship was rerouted from it's original destination of Quebec City to Halifax. This might explain why there is no record of it's Nova Scotia arrival in the Pier 21 data base.

My mother, Lauha Hyytinen and my aunt Helen (nee unknown) were on the ship on the way backto Newy YOrk (I think) from the Olympic games in Helsinki, Finland. Mom was annoyed because the NYT spelled her names as "Laura" instead of "Lauha" in the article. I just discovered a photo album of them on the ship including photos of them, others with passengers and the ship's staff, and the ship. She has since passed away but said the trip - including the shipwreck, was an adventure of a lifetime!

Gwen I was a passenger 8 years old on that trip, would be very happy to get copies of some pictures. Will gladly pay the expenses.

William Hehn. I was on that voyage which arrived in Halifax on Dec. 29, 1951. Please contact me at [email protected]

Hello William Hehn, I too was on the Anna Salen that arrived in Halifax on Dec. 29, 1951. I was 5 years old at the time. Please contact me.

This will rock you. My father, the late Horst Merkel of Bunbury, Western Australia, was the “Steuermann”, helmsman, at the time of the collision pictured. I remember him flying to London from Bremerhaven,where we lived for the court case. As I recall it no blame was attached to either party due to thick fog. I also remember the Olympic Rings being painted on the Anna Salen for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics while it was berthed at the Columbus Pier in Bremerhaven. My father was helmsman on the Anna Salen in he early 50’s. I remember his trips to Helsinki, Canada and Australia. He brought back several small flags from Halifax, Nova Scotia and New York. To cap it off, our family migrated to Australia on the Anna Salen on that 10 September,1954 trip to Australia arriving in Melbourne on 16 October, 1954. I recall passengers disembarked over two days. I was 8 at the time. We departed on day 2 for Bonegilla by train and later to Reid on the Transline in WA. From there we moved to Kalgoorlie where I left for Perth in early 1966. My mother and father moved to Bunbury in February 1970. They remained there until,their respective passing. My Dad was a keen photographer and amateur home movie maker. He filmed some of that September to October 1954 journey. I had it copied to disc. The quality is not the best. A highlight on it is the “Baptism” by King Neptune at the equator crossing. I still have my baptismal certificate. I hope this may help throw a little light on this journey for those who may be interested.

Hi I am the great grand daughter of Isle Dorethea Kirchhoff and grand daughter of Gabriele Kirchhoff Kindelan. My grandmothers travelled on the Anna Salene on the 16th October 1954 from Germany. I'm just wondering if anyone who travelled on this ship have moved to far North Queensland - tableland area or if anyone stayed in Melbourne. Would love to hear from you.. my email is [email protected]

My father, Robert Teran, his siblings and parents, Robert Teran (senior) and Klara Straub sailed from Bremerhaven to Melbourne in 1954. Did anyone know them? Please contact me at [email protected]

Hallo is there anyway we can get Orkney to assist in obtaining passenger lists. Especially my trip Jan 1955 Bremen to Sydney arrival March 1955

[Hi Joerg- The correspondents above will have a better chance at getting the passenger lists than we do here, after all the Anna Salen was never meant to go to Orkney! I'm delighted that this picture has been such a great rallying point though, and I know John Budge the original poster is as well - Steven Heddle (webmaster)]

I have now found the photo of passengers loading onto the ship for the Journey that arrived in Melbourne April 1953 A couple of you were interested in a copy... please email me [email protected] if you want a copy

My family and I also came to Halifax on the Anna Salen December 29th, 1951. We boarded at Le Havre with Montreal as our destination. My father was Emilio Subirana (1922-2007) and my mother Carmen Fernandez (1924-). My sister and I were born in France after our parents had left Spain by sneaking through the border. We originally had a refugee application for Brazil but we instead went to Canada. This was apparently the last free trip to Canada paid for by the International Refugee Organization. I remember the ship rolling very much and being tossed down the hallways by the motion. The other thing I remember was the awful smell coming from the cafeteria. I don't know what it was but I will never forget it. Everyone was very seasick except for the kids. My parents tell me there were several abandon ship alarms and that it was the worst storm in 25 years on the North Atlantic. We were very impressed by all the lights in Halifax but were given salted butter by the immigration people which we found disgusting. Canada worked out just fine for all concerned. My Uncle (Ignacio Subirana), aunt (Lola Pujol), cousins (Libert, Sara) and grandparents (Ignacio Subirana, Julia Gras) followed shortly after but had to pay their passage.

Hi. My name is Loiza. My parents Konstantinos and Maria Psarras and my 2 sisters travelled from Greece on the Anna Salen arriving in Melbourne on 2/7/1954. We also went to Bonegilla before settling in Adelaide. I was 4 years old at the time and spent most of the voyage with my younger sister in the infirmary due to measles outbreak. My older sister was infirmed in Bonegilla. I have partial passenger list (with our names) from national archives in Canberra.

Just found my Dad's landed immigrant card. I posted before that he came in 1952 but I was wrong. He landed according to this card August 3 1951 on the M.S, Anna Salen. It says his name appears on the sheet #30 line 21. How cool is that? He came cabin class and has his medical stamp...just says Landed Immigrant. I am sure somewhere I saw a photo of the ship so I am on a hunt for that now. Several boxes to go through.

My e-mail provider has changed would you please make the change in the file from [email protected] to [email protected]. Thank-you

My mother Christa Edeltraud Bauer left Bremen and arrived in Quebec on July 13 1953 on the ms Anna Salen. Did you know her.

PS My Parents were Margaret & Georg Friedrich

I was 6 months old arriving in Melbourne Oct 1954 from Bremerhafen. All I have is the certificate of crossing the equator on Oct 1 1954. Most of the writing has faded including the name of the Captain if anyone has it or photos.

I have my father’s passenger ticket for the Anna Salen going to Melbourne in 1954. The paperwork said to arrival date was mid September but I see from some stories it arrived in October and the crossing was rough. His name was Heinrich Bernhoerster.

My father, Rudolf Wernicke, travelled from Bremerhaven on Anna Salen Nov 5, 1951 arriving in Halifax Nov 16, 1951. I believe he came alone at 31 years of age. Would love to find a passenger list or maybe someone who travelled with him. He passed away in 1973.

My parents, my young brother and I traveled to Halifax from Le Havre in December of 1951. The ship did not have stabilizers and the Atlantic Ocean was very rough. Everyone was seasick, except for most of the children. The refectory was empty. The men and boys slept in one big room with bunk beds; the women and girls in another. We were told that Ana Salén had been used during the war to transport soldiers to fight in Europe. Something happened during our voyage. There was a loud sound of a crash and we were told to grab our lifesaver jacket and go up on deck. I never found out what it was. We celebrated Christmas onboard. A very moving experience when everyone sang the well known Christmas carols in their own language. I would love to have a photograph of Anna Salén.

My parents Irmgarde and Herberts sailed from Naples to Fremantle July 1949 from Naples and arrived August 1949 with my Uncle - Eduard Heise
Like to hear about how the facilities would of been.

My mother Maria Krenn came to Canada from Austria on the Anna Salen in 1953. Probably August. I would love to have any pictures from that trip

My parents Horst and Oda Nowrath arrived in Quebec from Bremerhaven on October 26, 1953, on the Anna Salen. I have already contacted one person who also had a relative arrive on that voyage, but the email address is no longer relevant. Any info/ photos/names etc of that voyage would be amazing. My dad still has his ticket and he recalls being seasick the whole time.

My parents, my young brother and I traveled to Halifax from Le Havre in December of 1951. The ship did not have stabilizers and the Atlantic Ocean was very rough. Everyone was seasick, except for most of the children. The refectory was empty. The men and boys slept in one big room with bunk beds; the women and girls in another. We were told that Ana Salén had been used during the war to transport soldiers to fight in Europe. Something happened during our voyage. There was a loud sound of a crash and we were told to grab our lifesaver jacket and go up on deck. I never found out what it was. We celebrated Christmas onboard. A very moving experience when everyone sang the well known Christmas carols in their own language. I would love to have a photograph of Anna Salén.

Sonya I have several pictures please contact me.

My dad , Heinz Pamp , came out on the Anna Salen from Bremerhaven , arriving Melbourne Australia on 30th March 1952 .
I have only EVER found 1 record of him , and it is that arrival.
Navigating that NAA site is just dizzying -round and round.
If anyone has any idea where else might be a good place to search his immigrant details , i would be so very grateful.
Regards PB :)

What a wonerful list of family stories. My mother Christa Edeltraud Bauer came to Quebec City from Bremen Germany in July of 1953 aboard the Anna Salen. Any info. from anyone would be a wonderful fulfillment of a life's journey.

Hello Emile Subriana,
I was on the Anna Salen that arrived in Halifax on Dec. 29, 1951. There is no passenger list of that voyage that I can find. I have no pictures either.

My Dad came to Australia with his Mum and step dad on the Anna Salem and travelled in July 1954. I had only just found out this by searching passenger lists. My father was Gerd Kuhl and his mother was Erika Henkel (nee Meissner). I never knew until now what the ship was called and when he came to Australia.

Ernst Jegodtka sailed Anna Salen dept Germany 27 03 1953 arrived Australia 9 10 1954

My family, Dad Anton Langmair, Mum Hilda Langmair, my sister Anita, my brother Wolfgang and I, Reinhard, came to Australia on the Anna Salen in 1954, I think we landed in Melbourne in October. I have a post card of the Anna Salen and a photograph of the family on deck. I remember crossing the equator ceremony, some recollections of the shared cabins, my mother seasick for most of the trip.

I was on the Anna Salen arriving in Melbourne on the 16th June 1955 with my parents Margarete & Joachim Raue and sister Monika. We settled in Moe in the Latrobe Valley, where we met Fritz and Helga Mentzing, also passengers on the same voyage.

My father Robert Göttlicher sailed from Germany to Halifax in 1952 aboard the Anna Salen. My mother Maria Fimpel also sailed aboard the Anna Salen in 1953. Does anyone remember meeting them?

Ed Goettlicher, What month did your father arrive in Halifax?

I'm looking for information regarding the Anna Salen departure from Germany to Halifax, pier 21 1951. It says there were to landings, Dec and then Dec 29th. My grandparents Hugo and Elfriede Seibert, along with my mother ( now 76) were on that ship. Wondering which it was for them.

In reply to SANDI MACLEOD's message posted on December 2021. Could you please contact me at [email protected]
I was on the Anna Salen that arrived in Halifax on December 29, 1951. I was 5 years old at the time and I'm 75 today. So your mom and I were 5 years old when we sailed on that ship.

In reply to Sandi Macleod and Peter Schoneich: I don't know if this helps but if you embarked in Germany, the boat stopped in Le Havre before crossing the Atlantic. That's where I got on. I am not aware of another landing in Canada.

I renewed my subscription to Ancestry and received a passenger list (only page 3) listing my father, Rudolf Wernicke. The Anna Salen departed Nov 5, 1951. The ancestry file is called "Africa, Asia and Europe, Passenger Lists of Displaced Persons, 1946-1971. Only 20 names listed on this page, but I thought it may interest some of you searching for passenger lists. The source Citation is Arolsen Archives.

My Father Carmelo Borg was on the Anna Salen from Malta in February 1954 and arrived in Sydney after that. I have some photos of this trip with him and friends and one tagged "me and the Germans"

See picture #28838 for a certificate for crossing the equator on the Anna Salen in 1954

our family Puncken was on the Anna Salen arriving in Melbourne on the 2nd July 1954. I received all paasenger listsings from the Immigration Museum in Melbourne. Everything is on fish. It was worthwhile paying for this information. I live in Perth now.

Does anyone have any information (pictures/passengers lists/ passenger whereabouts etc) on the Anna Salen’s voyage arriving at Pier 21 Halifax June 4th, 1951??

HI does anyone know how to find the passenger lists from the ship? My Dad came over in 1953 from Bremen to Quebec city.

My mother as well as her sister and brother in law were on the Anna Salén returning from the summer Olympics in Helsinki when the ship was struck. She recalls spending a couple of weeks on an island inhabited mostly by sheep while the ship was being repaired. They slept on the ship at night and were brought to shore and provided sack lunches during the day while she underwent repairs. Luckily the weather was good and her memories are mainly of spending time in the fields on the island surrounded by sheep.

To Fran Miller I was on that trip turned 8 years old on our landing in Canada, I have pictures of the crash if you are interested please contact me.

Hans, I would love the pictures that you have! My mother was in her early 20's and used her $200 life savings to attend the Summer Olympics. She is 92 now and would be tickled pink to see photos.

My father Tadeuz Stolarski arrived in Fremantle - Western Australia’s a 21 year old emigrant (New Australian)
In 1949

My father was Thomas Boenisch, he was a passenger from Austria, eventually landing in Quebec. His departure on the ship, Anna Salen was on July 2, 1953.

If anyone else has ancestors that were on this same ship, I would love to connect.

I posted much earlier that my father, Herbert Mischke, came across in 1952 but have since found a passenger list and boarding pass saying the Anna Salen left Bremerhaven on July 24th 1951. He came with several men hired to work in Algonquin Park in Ontario as loggers and lived in Pembrook On while there.

Hi to Ellen Glynn. Are you able to tell me how you sourced the passenger lists please? I would find it very helpful. Kind regards, Gwen Mladenov

Hello Gwen Mladenov. I found the passenger list for my Dad or at least a partial list on Ancestry.ca while doing a search. I would gladly send you what I found if you think your family member was also on the ship at this time.

Hello again Gwen Mladenov. I went on ancestry and found the passenger list having your parents on it. The ship left bremerhaven on the 17th of October 1953. Your father was a watchmaker.. please email me and I can send it to you . :: [email protected]

Hi Ellen. How did you find that list on Ancestry?

Jeffry Roick..There is a listing for immigration and I was able to find it that way. I still cannot find one for my mother and brother who came over just 3 months after my Dad so not everything seems to be published
I got lucky finding Gwens because a family member may have published it I think
Best of luck searching. Not an easy task for sure

My grandparents and an uncle first arrived in Australia on Anna Salen on 2 July 1954.

Just joined. Never knew this site existed. On the 2nd July 1954, my father mother, brother, myself and younger sister arrived In Australia 70 yrs ago. Thankfully my youngest daughter (44) found this site. Would love to hear from others who came FROM GREECE and what you remember, myself as a 6yr old not much. Thanks in anticipation. Maria Latter nee(Antonopoulos or Andonopoulos)

I obtained all records of the passenger list of the arrival 2nd July 1954 from the immigration museum in Melbourne. they have it on fish and I paid a fee to get a copy. It was very detailed.

There had been an earthquake in Greece around May 1954. A number of people affected by the disaster were taken to Australia by the Anna Salen from the port of Piraeus. Approximate Translation from the daily news sheet, “Anna Salen News” dated June 3 1954. “We ask that our Cuxhafen (Ie German) passengers develop a good relationship with the Greek passengers we will take on board in Piraeus. A number come from areas affected by earthquakes. Please treat these people with compassion and
kindness. We appreciate your cooperation. All cabins will now be occupied and we apologise that passengers will no longer be able to change their accommodation.” Lots of children came in this group.

Thank you Hilke Morison and Barbara Chivers for your replies. I'd love to find out were part of the Greeks picked up due to earthquakes. Also how were family chosen for a new life in Australia and what criteria did we have to meet to be eligible? Also did the adults have to work for the Australian Govt. To repay the transportation?

The males had a 2 year bond with the government. My father was sent to North Queensland to workcutting sugar cane.