SS Vyner Brooke was a Scottish-built steamship that was both the royal yacht of Sarawak and a merchant ship frequently used between Singapore and Kuching.

A staircase at the after end of the saloon led to a shade deck and two de luxe cabins and a private sitting room.

[4][1] When Japan entered World War II the Royal Navy requisitioned Vyner Brooke.

[5] Her Australian and British officers were mostly Malay Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, and were asked to remain aboard.

[6] The ship's company, under the command of her peacetime captain, Richard E Borton, was augmented by reservists, some survivors of HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse, and European and Malay professional seafarers.