[2] With the outbreak of World War II, the Anshun was requisitioned by the Admiralty as a stores ship at Freetown, returned to her owners in 1940.

[5] Anshun and Arunta entered the bay on the morning of 6 September and berthed at the pontoon jetty at Gili Gili to begin unloading with intentions to put to sea for safety during the night but orders were given by local authorities to continue unloading under her cargo lights through the night while Arunta departed to join 's Jacob and Swan holding at sea to the south.

[6] Shortly after 10 p.m. she came under fire from the Japanese cruiser Tenryū and destroyer Arashi during the battle of Milne Bay.

[6] Useful cargo that had not been unloaded before the action was identified by diver John Johnstone, who had salvaged gold from RMS Niagara, and then salvaged through holes cut in the ship's side but cases of beer allegedly aboard and of some interest to the troops ashore was not found.

[2] She was acquired by James Patrick & Company Pty Limited, underwent repairs at Cockatoo Island Dockyard and was renamed MS Culcairn.