Built by the Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd. Whyalla S.A., this vessel was one of the 1st 4 built to Plan No.H66. It was ordered 20/10/1941, keel laid 27/03/1942, launched 28/10/1943 and completed 16/03/1944.
It had a complete shelter deck with forecastle.
Accomodation for Captain, Officers, Engineers, Wireless Operator, Stewards, Pilot and 1 passenger was amidships.
Accomodation for Seamen, Firemen, Trimmers, Gunners was arranged aft.
The complement totalled 62 including 8 Gunners.
The deck machinery consisted of 10 - 5 ton derricks and 1 - 20 ton heavy derrick. Also 11 - 8x12 inch steam winches, including warping winch.
The propulsion machinery - built by Australian Iron & Steel Ltd., Port Kembla - was the triple expansion steam type with an exhaust turbine fitted. Giving an average service speed of 12 knots.
1945 - left Torokina, Solomon Islands, 9.9, for Nauru and Ocean Islands, with the Relief Expedition, escorted by HMAS Diamantina, q.v, and brought back Japanese troops as prisoners of war after their surrender.
The Australian Steamships Pty. Ltd. was appointed to operate the "River Glenelg" until Oct.1947 when management was transferred to the Australian Shipping Board. In Mar.1957 management of the "River Glenelg" was transferred to the Australian National Line.
In Oct.1960 "River Glenelg" was sold to Hang Fung Shipping & Trading Co. Ltd., Hong Kong, and was renamed "Bai Feng".
The vessel was sold through Manners Navigation Co. Ltd. in Jan.1963 to Kawasaki Dockyard Co. Ltd. for demolition at Tsuneishi.