Who Are They?

These photographs were taken on board the Asturias in November 1948, by Pat Piggott. His wife Irene (Rene) and son Michael are pictured with other passengers. If you can identify them, please let us know.

Mary and her three boys - Tony, 5 years, Roger, 4 years and Godwin, 3 years - migrated from Malta to Australia, arriving on 25th August 1949.

Father 'Edgar Azzopardi' had arrived earlier to work on a farm in Narrawong, near Portland, Victoria.

The family was sponsored by the farmer as there was a shortage of farm hands after the war.

Our parents felt there would be a better future for the children in Australia.

As a four year old on the SS Asturias I recall getting lost on this enormous ship, and the purser eventually taking me back to my mother.

I also recall my mother buying wares off the boats that came out to the ship in the Port of Aden. They would raise baskets on ropes with the wares in them and then lower them again with money to pay for them.

There are many members of the extended families now, and all are residing in Australia.

Roger Azzopardi
Melbourne
February 2010