While under charter to the merchant navy, she was in port in Darwin, Australia when on 19 February 1942, she was hit by two bombs during the Japanese air raid on Darwin and was sunk, resting in 18–20 metres (59–66 ft) of water.

She had been carrying oil, aviation fuel and petrol and was refuelling USS Peary when the raid commenced.

Two of her crew were killed out of 61 in the initial attack: the master Gilbert C. Bates and 2nd Radio Operator James H. Webster.

The welded fore and aft was towed back to Japan and broken up.

[2] What remains of British Motorist lies in Darwin Harbour at position 12°28.96′S 130°50.33′E / 12.48267°S 130.83883°E / -12.48267; 130.83883.