AHS Centaur 96cm – Australian WWII Hospital Ship

The AHS Centaur stands as one of Australia’s most poignant maritime stories. Originally launched as a merchant vessel in 1941, she was later converted into a hospital ship clearly marked with the red cross emblem and bright white hull. On 14 May 1943, while transporting medical personnel and supplies, she was tragically torpedoed off the coast of Queensland—claiming the lives of 268 people. The loss of Centaur remains a powerful symbol of compassion, courage, and sacrifice in wartime.

Our handcrafted wooden model of AHS Centaur is a respectful tribute to her legacy. Built entirely from timber using traditional plank-on-frame methods, each model captures the ship’s distinctive markings and proportions with remarkable authenticity. From the carefully painted red crosses to the deckhouse details and lifeboats, every feature has been reproduced with care and precision.

It took our craftsmen over 12 weeks to complete this meaningful piece, reflecting not only their dedication but also the importance of preserving the Centaur’s story for future generations. Displayed at home, in an office, or as part of a memorial collection, this model honours those who served aboard and the values of humanity that the AHS Centaur represented.

Key Features of the AHS Centaur model:

• Delightfully detailed, 1:100 scale AHS Centaur model ship.
• Dimensions: 96cm long x 15cm wide x 43cm high
• Fully assembled cruise model ship – this is NOT a kit, but ready for display.
• Made by hand using wooden planks on the decks, hull and features included.
• Windows and portholes are cut into the hull of the ship, not stuck on or added.
• Wood detail used to help ensure that the wood is protected from long-term climate change.
• Paint scheme to match up with the real ship in every way, shape and form.
• Comes with a strong wooden base and brass nameplate for display purposes.
• Suitable for display in a display case of your choosing (Display cabinet is sold separately.)

History of AHS Centaur

The Australian Hospital Ship (AHS) Centaur began her life as a merchant vessel, built in Scotland in 1941 for the Blue Funnel Line. In 1943, during the height of World War II, she was requisitioned by the Australian Government and converted into a hospital ship to transport wounded soldiers and medical staff between New Guinea and Australia. Painted white with large red crosses and fully illuminated to mark her protected status under the Geneva Convention, Centaur symbolised care, hope, and humanity amidst the devastation of war.

Tragically, in the early hours of 14 May 1943, while en route from Sydney to Port Moresby, AHS Centaur was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-177 off the coast of Queensland. The attack was a shocking violation of international law, as hospital ships were strictly prohibited from being targeted. Of the 332 people on board, only 64 survived. The loss of Centaur sent shockwaves across Australia and remains one of the nation’s most poignant wartime tragedies.

For decades, the ship’s resting place was unknown until December 2009, when she was finally located about 50 kilometres off Moreton Island, lying at a depth of more than 2,000 metres. Today, AHS Centaur is remembered as a symbol of compassion and sacrifice—honouring the brave doctors, nurses, and crew who dedicated their lives to healing others in the midst of conflict.