Balikpapan Oil Railway

Only a small amount of information has come to light on this railway which was opened by Bataafsche Petroleum Maatschappij in 1908 between the oil refinery and the docks of Balikpapan in Borneo. One early picture has been found in the Tropenmuseum online archive collection. The remaining pictures are from the Australian War Museum collection.

This image has appeared many times on the internet but incorrectly identified as being taken at Semerang in central Java around 1918. It actually appears to have been taken much earlier in 1908 at the opening, or soon after, of the Balikpapan Railway

Balikpapan, Borneo. 26 July 1945. A soldier carrying his dixie stands beside the train which was in use at the Balikpapan Oil Refinery and named by 7th Division troops, "The Spirit of Progress". Balikpapan was the main source of aviation gasoline and fuel for the Japanese, and produced more than six million barrels of oil a year before the war.

Balikpapan, Borneo, C 1945. the 7TH Division Workshops Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers(AEME) steam locomotive (Donor: Museums and Art Galleries of the N.T.)

N.T.)

Balikpapan, Borneo, 2 August 1945. AN oil burning locomotive, reconditioned by members of 2/125 Brigade Workshops, manoeuvring in the railway yards of the oil refinery company.

Balikpapan, Borneo. 6 July 1945. Some of the small oilfield locomotives used for hauling oil to ships found on the fire-gutted pier when members of 7 Division occupied the area.

Balikpapan, Borneo, 1945. The 7th Division Workshops Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers(AEME) steam locomotive (railway engine) with the words "7 DIVVY LIZZIE" painted on the side. This was used at the oil refinery.

Balikpapan, Borneo, 2 AUGUST 1945. Corporal A J Dolder, 2/125 Brigade Workshops, supervising the native fireman, Peewee, as he oils the linkage of an oil-fired railway engine which has been reconditioned by unit personnel.

Balikpapan, Borneo. 1945-09-07. A captured diesel locomotive in for repair at 2 Beach Group Workshops.

Balikpapan, Borneo, 11 July 1945. Members of 228 Light Aid Detachment Corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers operating a diesel locomotive in the oil refinery area to haul stores from the wharf to dumps, a distance of 3 miles.