The Empire Ships - A record of British-built and -acquired merchant ships during the Second World War

303 Pages·1990·319.77 MB·English

by  William Harry Mitchell

WH. Mitchell and L.A.Sawyer

THE
EMPIRE SHIPS

SECOND EDITION

A Record of British-built and acquired
Merchant Ships during the Second World War

LLOYDS OF LONDON PRESS LTD.
EMPIRE SHIPS
EMPIRE SHIPS

ARecord of British-built and acquired
Merchant Ships during the Second World War

WH. Mitchell and L.A.Sawyer

SECOND EDITION

LEP
LONDON NEWYORK HAMBURG HONG KONG

LLOYDS OF LONDON PRESS LTD
1990
(Ge Sing Sr Laon ESA 0)

©

CONTENTS

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

THE BUILT SHIPS

Par 1 Tramps
Dare 2 Deep Ses tankers
Pare 3 Cam-Mac ships
Part 4 Fast Cango liners
Pare $ Heavy Litt ships
Dare 6 Scandinavian type ships
Pare 7 Colliers
Pare 8 Dry cargo cousters
Pare 9 Coastal tkers
Pare 10) Tugs
Pact 11 Miscellaneous
Section | Dredgers, hoppers
Section 2 Landing Ships Tanks Ferries
Section 3 Water carriers
tion | Floating cranes
tion 3. Concrete ships
eution 6 Ore carriers
Section 7 Convoy rescue ships

crest ships ender private cuntract ot feenee

BUILDERS OF STANDARD-TYPE MERCHANT

Paw 12 Shipbuilders solely iovalved in the eonstenction of
THE ACQUIRED SIIIPS

Pare 13. Ships requisitioned and purchased
Pare 14 Tonnage fiom the United Stes of Ameria
Section 1 Purchased ships
Section 2 Langling ships on Lease/Lend
Section 3 Fast c3tgo ships en charter
Part 15. Captured and confiscate! enemy tonnage
Seccion 1 Vovio! 1989-1944
Sect 2 Peril 1S

OPERATION ‘OVERLORD
BIMLIOGRAPHY

INDEXES:

Ships
Shipyard and Company Noses

+

PREFACE

Tn 1999 a standard naming system was adopted by the Minisery of Shipping, im eat all
merchant ships ordered e be buile in Briain co Governraent account. except very small
hip types. would be given she prefix “Empir’ to their name. This also applied to ships
Acquired dirough purchase, equisition, or ken ir prize, although in che event there were
somne exceptions.

Te this reened “Empire” ships buile are Histed within general ship eypes and then sub-
liste! to cack building yard. Then follows historical notes of each shipyard and ships built
inde private contrac: or licence during the 1939-1945 war years and the shoulder months
tl the Wat. The shipyard notes aren no way intended to be fll story ofthe company
foncerned,

Details of merchant ships include the yard ouunber, gress tonnage (QU. whieh could
subsequently chanye with any structural alteration to the vessel, the over leugth {oa}
followed by she lent between perpenctculins and the breath, in fet Frgines are shes
astriple expansion ‘T3ey].), conspotmd (C2ev.). usbine, or oil, Descveight tonnage (abo)

storical detils include changes of pane andor ewrership.
fiom building to present disposition or final disposal. However, only eascalties vf a serious
pate are shown

Launching aré completion dates. generally, are from Lloyd's Register Launeliny Fortns
fo Shipbuilding Returas of the ime. Yard numbers soe shown are inicitions that 1
vessels were either warships buile to Admiralty specication and not to Lloyd's Register
lass and, therefore, noc on their Remums, or were miner erate or constructions ef = pon
‘marine nacure, 2. Tock gates snd the like

The ‘Empire’ nomenclacure aso embriced the numerous ageing, bu: valuable, tramp
Ships seguired in (941-1942 from the United States of America, There were also « mutnber
fof modern €2 and C-type ships on LeaseiLend arringement to the Uriced Kingdom
ducing the late 1941-1942 period, for use in fast convoy work, amd thirteen Cl-rype
ships were converted :o British Infansry Laréing Ships in 1943 1911, A.I bore “Empire

Dering che course of the war teany ships sufered serious damase, ether rough etemny
sctioa or as marine casualties. Of these, the bulk were, of course, reputed snd sent on
theie ways, bur others that were badly damaged. or even sunk, called for special effor.
Where possible those ships were salved, even eo the extent of fing ew foreparts, most
then being vecuasitioned by the Ministry and allotted “Empire’ names,
vill Price

Arthe outbreak of wars numberof Gorman ships were seized and several were captured
‘on che high sexs in subsequent yeas, A number of Italian ships were seized ip Eritrea in
Tost and more saken when Italy surrendered in 1943, These, 100, were generally renaaned
swish an “Empize’ pret,

To 1945 a large number of German ships jn North Boropean and
Gorman gorts and later given "Emipire’ names. However, seme were allocated to che
ULS'S.R. by the Assembly of Inter-Allied Reparations Agencies and bore the ‘Empire
rnomenclanare for only a shor: tint, whilst s mumber of other ships, also reallocated, die
fot bear an ‘Empire’ name at al,

Iv the fndex of Ships, a mumber Following « name, &g, (Il) is only showin if acmally

se confiss:

part of the name,
Other abbreviations used

M.O.W.T. ~ Ministry of War Transport
M.O.T, Ministry of Transport
MOS. — Ministry of Shipping,
USS.R, United Seates Shipping Board

~ Unie States Maritime Consmission
= Constructive Total Loss
= Love Pressure
= Cylinder

Powbie Resction
thors wish t® record choir grateful chunks to those wha have helped in che
in of this book: Lloyd's Register of Shipping: che Corporation al Lloyd's an the
‘Admiralty Library. Deonis Stonhan, Hob Todd and David Lodge of the National Maritime
Mesewz Barbart Jooxs of Lloyd's Register of Shipping, Thomas Adawns; John Freestone:
Bob Childs; Ken Garges; David Burrell; John Lingwoud: BIL Lryes: Danny Lynch; James
Barzun (Clyde pilot}; Hob MacDougall of New Zealand and Geonge Schucive: of the
ULS.A.; nd for photographic sereices, 9 Skyforos Led: The National Maritime Museum,
Tom Rayner: Pl Dalton Roy Kittle, John Jedeinie of the U.S.A, and Vie Youry of New
Zealand

‘Sovthamsson and Londo wot, worenere
Joly 1950) Loa. SAWYEH

INTRODUCTION

‘Aste August of 1989 progressed, the blu skies of tas ftefil summer darzened wth the quickening
momentum of the long-gatherng clouds of war, Fick lay the sntenmatonal sion geew mone
ea

(Gh che 14th August furteen German Uboses, om 4 eet of? operational bynes, quietly
lef their home gosts of Kil aid Wilhelashaven co await futher iscuetious as they lay La he
Soul Wesreen Approaches an off the weston shores of Britain. The porkse hatleship list
Gof Spee loft Wibolnshaven os the 2st for South Aztrian Waters and was Laowed tee days
Taner by the Dowtschlou!, destined forthe Nowth Atlante

‘Ar dave on Tst September the mipbt of che Gents Wiebeache smashed into Poland and che
‘world etg0d aghast; on Sel September Britsn and France declared wae an Gerry

TAs 1 pm, that suine day tae Donalsou-Adhiide Lin's Athos (3381 ge oubwatd bound
fio Clasgeor and Liverpool fr Monten! wth 1.108 passengers and crew of 19 wn we of
Heckall Rank ocen she was hit bea torpedo fiom the subnariae 3D. Sho esenolly sak ac
‘Mam. on 4th Sepeember wth a loss of 112 hives. She was Brin’ frst war less. The team
serge hal Sep

Tornnaely. fr-sighred planning in Btu enabled che convoy system 10 be ssvated ckly
paced, spend convoy sled roms Gilnahar fin Gape Town on Sod September and a ele
sip couvoy left the Clyde for Gibralse on the Sth, The requir outward ocean conway began 95
7h Seperhcr, ascening a: Southend su then being joined by ships from the Channel ports oF
from Batol Cannel pores, throngh St George's Channel and rorchahox vache Adan, The et
coat coavows of the Firth of Fort~Tharucs shale an, wilh thee colers of ten. power cargow
Jbegan om the 6th. The ise homneward-hownd gesan convoy sled fom Freetown on the Lh shine
‘ich ted sled independently prior to tune dace ad wo sice but to eun Uae enemy yale

For some rime hefoe che outbreak of war the Shipping Conference, somphsed 9 shysirners
shipbuilder and shiprepaiers, had worked om plane for puting hes fudustries ow 3 wat foot,
Should the need acse, su paneer eo ensure that mistakes made in she Grest War would not be
repeated. Shipbuilders were asked a6 tothe suitably oftheir yards forthe construction f varus
Ship types cargo liners, ramps, ranks, collets, cossters and naval vesseh, From chis Basie
informacion the wrerall capability was asec

The plane were very mack advanced when wor began and the Board of Trade quickly made
‘Oners under the Delence Regulations for the eouteol a shipbuilding and shipeeptig

‘A.Minisery of Shipping was formed sn Octoher 1939 with some deparements From the Board of
ade, and st up watainesciutice seas a Directorate of Meschart Shupbulciug and Repais and
an Advisory Committ om Merchant Shipsilding Programme

Tn Jnnoay 1940 the decision was mace that, cece trom 1 Febmary 1840, ebe Adnaley
‘would be response fir hath naval andl merstaot ship Sulding and repre and she Merson
2 Irrottion

Shipbuilding ad eps Departnent sts tafere from she Mine of Shipping oo thse dats
The sim ula scuraloaen sto tre ch hese ol soonest mtn ed Lr A
Goniteler of Merchant Shiphuling snc Repats, beng 4 mfr of ie Admits Boats. and
‘Brough oto the unser recone, ws appointed.

The Admraky was noponile fr eating the necssary predation, ot aay fr the Royal
Novy, fr mcichane sipping, to mest the hoptcmsnt the Mts of Sippy and ter
consucing tee owners

TResponsiaty for construction was sho with she Aunicley. although the ships wold
Govenmencowned vier the Mitey uf Sulppiig, hich sweuld pce they undce lupe

Mciaat ships could Se bu in to oays, ese by der oes of che Adiety for ewe

‘Gm i May Tot ln Minicay of Sippg sod Mitry 0 Teanspare wetesteged theca
te Minty of War Transport

Ge ofl uke of the Aceisry Commer wot somidr ad rane HeeRces to ad ships
fox punate acount condinon beng that the wet! be of ee bling ya’ pote pane a
Spesfctons an withthe egureeats cf the vera Shug Programa. Uhistcngerent
Dutinucd wo ee cad oF 1945

Protorspes spurs natpu wt sete for rp bing the standardisation of machinery
being tavource rather thin the romuracion of Gavesuinentsandare ps, bad boos the
Feserent mde Great Wa The yard soci therfore ur chp which sey wee sectorned
Gn oc ees thir wer he pect, with cee plana sad pater had

By Jinn 94) he seguasion of Ish Hp was generals applying 10 dcop se ships afer
sce of ths carges i + Un Kingdon por from le Fer omer

Shi repo were kit uncer maragemen of tass owns ner sce 9 he Mhnsty
o€ Shppung outward voyages were five through BeOKE onthe cme mark, a hie

“Povey tive bness weve Cnversmnent-anctioned fer Admialey sequin #21 Aust 1989
for converts uh med meschant cruise Thy marr wat ltr aroused t0 yes On 28
Novemicr 1938, he B&O SN Corsanyt Ravalpindl os the Set be ese ay the
‘iho tt ce pause faa a the Farr lars Upto Ma 191 another Foutecn
‘Se los andthe eunader ser psy sxannsuted 9 secant oopship neva sears

‘Somme unk wre rexuouel ely in dhe wir, be show tha ne aot wee ecguitoned on
the vompleion of aischarge ace 3 seb 0: discharge had been completed pve at
tie the weve, iroudy fo service, as requstonel on Janucey 194, Ht wide opis on te
Sts sve for eanployment.

ithe, ears owned by the oll compris had Is subjst co dca gcd nates of
ficight by a cent commntes sie the lapenst omens ankene ae hr bey nde

"Apa tom che general apts oF ers, she strange of war demande a Hine
soe era athe Bulling programe, ft ro stn othe ships 5 well.

Sdmne metchat sep hiding sm chs sacks were taken cer for srnptn ese
co tp vara peso aval depot sip Inthe sly soul of wa thee me 4 shortage 9 see
Sud orer ete ter

Tite 129-140 dae as te magne mine to sonia with ceuutersetd by dgsnsemg: 29
slectic cable fed around the Il of he abip si 4 erent pes oh reversing the hips
Shogote i. In 12 bevy he device ad so et sipe of te Archie someays embng
Ginchage Murmansk; pre bicaon was nttodoced for gronpe of ee a sans, 4 uous
sritunps weve piven med space nf 258 000-390,00) cal afanged in two oe thre Rl se

avsision 3

ragween decks, And as ar u Europe began to draw toa dose there were snssing ships bulk for the
Fir Ln theatre of wr.

Mid-war disposal of ships

n 1942 the M.O.W', and Genera Couacil of Dsitsh Shipping aes in dicassions from which a
Stiame ws soda whereny Brita shipowners who had lest rouge sie che nmin ot
Howitues ciher by manne casely, susmy action, or hy Goveroment scquisinon were able £9
epee tc loses. The ships, eter bri, or co be but dating the war yeu vee mae avaible
for purchase athe cos of thir constiution, los depreciation. However, contion as that ches
Seoul wil emsin under M.O.38-T. contra) snl hosts eased and ths the new vsener wold
Manage the vers! on Behl! ofthe Mistry. Ounces uf erly loses were offered early arbult
pth bilng css being ls an ter bling.

Te mont numerous lojcs wee nthe tanipnochum ad replacement of steamers weeeoteted
sath ike propulsion or. chose were unavailable, disl<iiven she were oer, and view versa
Thy dexp ea Liners (under 30 gg lost woulé bender the sume amangement of. it needs be
Subatuted wich a timp vise, but only a petesnage of the atnps sess ws ta be olfered
Gwenn fllsciiger alsin bal fst pion om Sinan ships, Taakers wee eared 351:
trans, athongh » Inger ener tha the out less eld note tncr 25% mare in dee

“th aired ship was subsoqsuly lose, ase: hen vod The acre ship wos
tobe gt bythe sass owner and ner the Beth Hog fo tre yar tom dewey os apd
axscrnse Bthe M.O.16 1 The Sat batch of shi snd this ene were these ba op 30
Seplmber 141, eis sccond grip were chowe bil in che following year to 30 Sctember HA
mele wis alo the geen to the wtious Alla Governments fn replacemene f thee
Iyatzorn Ais ada spice was “ark hat veasle col be rnstried co the Vaous boners
Aa flags ofthe Allis Yor che ougch of te war, ut eenining avalible forthe serce of the
MONT. This wes in ander sha thee nee onemes or manages could gain ieee experi
hess lero some adr thei cone

Allzamps sid voller were asl sold, bu he sale of smaller sips and coasters was slower
wing tthe varied requiteneuts of peat owas in Dune stale ships. Those maining nns0ld
Inthe fis allocation were ufc} nopotenoal second esaer

Ships for the Allies

The Geeauas atack om western Eatope began in May M0 and such asthe ansbught fa waehin
en months the coistine touche North Cape to the Pyrenees ws undet Getamaa doin
Many pots salered homfrng snd wth theta suc ali shine wasn

From 1841 and ox ttough the years of war many "mpi shipe mee tase the. Alc,
tw sallundce the tags of she overran contr, the KexerIaseny or reprscnaives nF which were
temporarily dorsi ia Laud,
4 Invssooon

{Whea Belgium was invadod on 10 May 1940, all 100 ships ving the Began lg were ondered
fo prowed to Brishh ports, both ships aad thei cargoes being offead to che Allied cause.
afoctunaely, chiteen wens were defined in Frances rene Colones, but the remainder of
the Belgjcr Meee wast England bythe following Atguse. The ships weve worked by ther Belgian
rows under chcteraramgeraents with the Miniery ef Transport but, by che end of 1942, the Hees
Tisd been decimated by fey shipoyreury half the Je 1940 ligase

Te tecogntion ofthe sevice sven by the Belgians ee, the sinesh Government decided to offer
syne nf ships tothe sled Belgan Goverment, ehen im Landon, and seven Leape’ tramp
{hips woteteasfered tthe egian Hag, at then placed under the managervent of Cie. Martie
Teg floyd Royal) S.A-A turther fone ships ellowed, inckuding one of tae "Ozean!-ype

Trassterred Renamed
Amp Lapwing Twit Belen Pigiver
Enpite Drayen 1942 lpia Stor
Fp Aiba 182 Bean Fisherman
Empice Masel 1942 lpi Seaman
Finpe Sey 152 —Belain Solder
Enmpre Swan 1942 Belgian Frigher
Trmpve Baltyne ——1948——Belian Alon
Enupte Coanr 193 Ragin Captain
mpi Cleyte 843 Balgan Crow
‘Bupite Loess 43 Helgan Trey

he American “Occan’-type tamp, Ostat Verran, ws taser is 43 and renamed
Baigam Petnn, Late. 2 number of “Liberty-type shi ere tesiporanly eransferved from he
United Stier flag and plced under the rnnaycatcut of Agency Maritime Tuterasconle 8.4.
Subsequsty, some were persianeny aegued By the Belgie Govesament and plaed in the ct
of Cc: Mantine Tig. They sere given names of Belgian Merchane Marine war heroes mnder the
"Capitaine womencatre

‘Gt Janmery IAD he Dutch Mercitle Marine consisted of 915 uecan-going ships coallng
2,339,538 pu on | September 1015 these ligurce had reduced to (37 ships ctallng 1185, IR goose

“Fo ease the loses, 9 number wf Emi’ camp ships were uansered tothe Government ache
[Netherlands in 1942-1943 sa were ll renamed after Duteh arts Addiconal tonnage wos ase
omplecl os Dich aecovnt, Tres Aniricaboike‘Onsan-tvpe amps and a number of vos
Ste ako pot under che Durch tag and on TOA several Americana ships were placed under
Train hater atrangements

ionsfered — Rommed
ripe Roi 1942 edna Bot
Limpine Revie 1942 Frou Hats
Empire Mavis 142 jan va Gopon
Lope tly 2 “Plr de Hoek
Bnpite Pong 92 Vande Vid
Hinge Rae 1982 Vineet

‘Sipe Hoshi 193 Ante Cage
Fp Gallant 1948 At son der Neer
“Epis leur 1943 ran un Mies
Tape Spray [M3 Geant Dow
pte Camere 193 lipe Wowermae

pie Kren WHS Vander Cate

reretion 5

Trausterees Renamed
Bupve Sicy 13 Vander He

Imps Forte 193 Van Hani

Enpire Toler 1988 Von Ou

tempi Kamal 19h Va Rail

Expire ile 1045 Oncor

pve Tet 12 Roman Fase cargo ines)

Expire Bey 1942 Doman (Tanker)

Brupve Fetch 1944 aekinaen (Tasks)

epee Dee 102 ‘Soruhare (Dry cage coasts)
Enpire Sound TMS Zatrhaoee (Dey cargo cost)
Linge Reynard 1913 ——_‘Wratrkavn (Dry ego coats)
Enpire Bord 133 Nuonishaver (Dey cargo coaster)
Diese River 1913 Onaerhaone [Dry cage coaster)
Empice Dyke 133 ives Marve (Dry ange comer)
Bene Lily 1915 Bamps (Dry earge coaster)

Te duce “Occas-vpe cramps, Ostn Att, Osean Mont andl Oxen Vidory ere all
tented in 1943 and here Gover Flin, Joe syne a Jo San especie

iy 959 Peace omued 295, guons in a ain nile by snl} ad been redced
ty Sagoo 2B hon Hse ap bated ce each Gos be
tchuiling th Hest, purchasing Eu oxi count, chartering ad plcng onde for new Sips,
SS tae by May 1915 the feet wnnage wae 97000 gross tons ise ‘Libsty “type spe were
‘roa: catered fons he Unites Stace War Shipping Adrminictraon whe amber of Lape
tops temp ships ere pureed from Binsin and ena er desssd sea ad porns
Stas Foch Merchant Marae. All were arctan 111946,

Renamed

pve Catt Ingen Generel ase eiker

Enmpie Farmer Adwinitater on chef Thomas

Lpire Siongheld Cowie Pare

Expire Crum Captnine G. Laroley

Lompire atatt? Commandant Nant

nmpiveSeiry— tent J. Pate

Lime Serpe Jats Bingo

Empive Dale Tiana) Le Men
Morte Besiwe

Ene Frieuship Motrin Pilon ot Baye

impve Unicorn Pee Curmon

Empire Onipnt——Paote Carer

Fnpire Spot! Pasa Eade Laan

Enpie Diver Retilgraphie Bard

FimpveJeses ough ist

Enpie Domi Taentnan Lame (Dry cargo eoseret

Timp Gillian trac (Day eae coaster

Enpite Ml Medea instal ener)

pire Hswlincan—Senkay (Fast cargo Ine

pire Gul ‘ir Habe (Fast cargo lines

Epis Travelin Prsblowe (Tame

Enpite Cat Masare (Tanker)
Ininshnsion

Bipire Bure
inte Jpn

Renamed
Mina (Faaker)

ine Clos Takes}

en: Park'Iype Canachan-bile ships sere sequined 2 1946 and placed woth the Gonverrement
iene de Ltdo-Chins 9 wens the Binge Gal ana Empite fier (abuse

‘Mise the Empisnamed ships uashced to the Neraegian fag doving the war years ate
riven the name prefix of Nor and some were

ool

Fp Pirin
Lanpre Pere
np Cre
Rope iain
inp Lat
Enpie Bld
Empve Carey
Ente Prongon
pire ota
Brae Saxe
Linpite Beaver
Frpire Pee
Lippe Dowd
Frpire Eagle
Linge Ps
Frnpre Dr
Lnpre Drone
Enpie Ones
Epo 1

Remarc
Aid

King Hao 1
ong Soon
romps
Krouprinoroe
Pri Henle
Rail

Neve

Neri

isi (Tanker)
Novia

rin (Tans)
lon (Take)
Neral (Tanker
Navel (Lanker)
Neva Tanke
Nonore

Tamed ater members ef te Norsogian Royel

Nemway s¢ mae on April MIL ard the ships al waster in I94115D2, wens spate

by the Norwegian Shipping & Lrachng Mision, Londo:

forshe Norway Goxeanment

"The Polish merchant sly fst lst Recess ding Use wae eats. ter of whic ore sus k

by eneiny ation, To ost shes lstes, he ean Bu

ssa complesad in Massh 1942 by Stan,

luster a: Newcastle for Pos sucsane ad the following “Empies uamps were ranerid wo dhe
Ministry o Idastey, Counce ane Shipp, opetauag in Londen fy the Polisi Governnene:

pire Bader
Empire Rosner
Trmpoe Hi

Trane
in
192
be

enamed
Ta

Norv
Bers

‘Ome US oil “Occan’-ype ship ws abo iranstse as were a mse CUS ese

Irioduton

The great assault

“The invsion of Nosmandy conte in Je 144, 4 culisnaton Ws the yews of immense Ald War
ffoxe.Lollowing the intial saul, sore 230 merchant ships sd 50 couse, cashing ee assault
ces, began che great mld-op ofserice personas andsniliary supp, So mary ships accessed
thor lesan in many Brits por belo they oineé the ctase-Chanaslcamoys to Gecharge on
{ke benlcs or atthe aici MalberrybarLours ac Arnmnaneiesin che Britsh seco: 9: Se Lauer
fhe Americ lurhour which wax deatnayes hy 9 vison soca on 19th-22nl Juve. Duong ce is
Sace days there were hrtycighe cauvoys. tolling 753 major lmding ships and supply shegs
Erling ssl ores, emgage nthe idayp. Sixteen caustoys and sine mabe of one
fgenps were a se8 at any ote and by Ids fume SINAN) persornel and 77,000 shiek ad hee
Srv. On oh Joly the mfhonth aman has Been lances! ard hy ths end uf thot some 100.8
petsonncl, M44 eects ant 174,10 hms stores had bea pat ashore

‘Of the huge number of merchant ships eneploved fe the Overlord season, there weve 512
Dich eerchnt vemes stad ay being ie in the Bald-up period trem D-Day ti (Hs ue
Ths ligure vers evelosive of tugs and cts. sill tal. Then were P'1 ships operating ude che
Miaisry of War Trensport nary seven of which wore “LEntpice’ ship, sheen were the Arran
bot "Ooean-typ, forty were ta -type Caui-bu lt trap and here weve teeuty-thuee Seal
snes Liber Ings

“Te ‘Emap’ Clon Infusry Laucing Ships (LST) tnok part nthe aout phase, code-named
‘Neptone’, nding, moaps hy thee aca Landis cate (LCA, tsea wontinsing she hap,
faking loss hsm evreaty-fore hugs ans a South Cast read n he Beches, dicta dr
Ieee and returning tr re tchorage:

“There were many coasters empluyed, iaclding “Fropie'-eypes, for x had Bech selsed in
panning dhe mvs chat che burden of che in.talbuik-up would EI ws the smal caf of 50%
Boi rdw which Soul have tn eanry 4 varity of wares snd equipraene demanded train assy

iso dit tal supplies sould be dcharged diece eo Armiy vshines
on the dew sind Some coasts anke-s Ui likewise, elit many dey cong cuusters cori ee
pov ad il,

AMfier he vl builé-us, es pee merchant ships anchored oiFhore,diccharging ovetside to 2
bustin of svall alt working to an rom she Reaches, iy sdee both Millay harlours wee
Jn ose ane ep the 27 Juse Cherbourg was Uiken by U.S. farce The frst ship 9 ante ster
Elen operations i the harbour wae rhe Hinge Thay, ith 1M tous opto fae the U5
Sem

The post-war scene

(00 7 May 1915 chee was onconditonsl stud ofall Gest Highing Soros Baropes on Hb
Angst 145 came the ucomiionl suerender of Japin dior Wer Il aed

Tn the shipping world there vss mich t9 do, Conus daoasan i seretsmen, prisanes of
sear and disleced persons lad tr 9e eramspumel en heir home somntries, Longeese ted tae
ours, eloseé doves in 1989, had to be ee opened ard news tales serted cine for dey docking,
opal. oveel aul and venverions of cape wor strc 9 EH nos
A vadncrion

Alter ste years of txmoil te world sts tad completely changed. Duct che vase skipbuing
programmes carried out inthe Cultea States dusiag the wr, shi kee uumbered 5,521 merchant
THige when hows ceased, tolling 5GAU0,00D tons dealbvejse, Figures hich excised 64
Ships lent by dicet enemy svi aud 139 by marine casualty, but was fourfold ineresse ower the
4A sips oF 12,100,090 el ee oF 198

IA otter Allied ets, huwsves, showed » raluction in earrying eapaoey: the Riih Finite
(22,304,000 19,590,090 td). Nororay (60,000 0 3,950,000 es), The Nethevands 300,000
fo 308,000 td). France (2,900,000 ro 13,060 ube} Greene (2,700,000 to 1,709,000 td) ad
the ULS.S., (1,300,000 ko 1,300,600 ad)

At shis ine thete were mm Asie ships eng under the British lag. and M.O.W. Teva,
formualy of German, leon and lnmich ust, indeed, up wo the time ofthe Tan suseuser on
3 September 1943 129 vessel of vie 430,000 gt Tad boon seized, Tae mari of German ships
ihad beau confisewed Gta ports and about Bal of shove under dhe Kahan fag sich a been
taken hod heen seized in Bntsh porte when war beget oe ia the port of Eriteea. Some sips ad
vm captured by the Royal Navy ats,

Troopships

(Om 18 Dsccanbor 1945 it was ancomncrd hy the Ministry of War Teansport dat che Govetnment|
fad decide that dey cargo ships om regusition wuld be celessed on ermiation of seve voyage
afer 2 Macch 14h when the charters expted. Tankers were rcleased 5 they eomplesed voroge®|
ace 1 Derember 1985, Passenger ships and oiler vessels employed on mitary and ava
weivikemenes wine, however, to remain wer sequisron for te movement of troaps aud other
Tpdcal work to which they bad oar alloted, with huge numbers uf people to be transported
‘worldwide

The pre-war puley for rooping, was tae all ruogships would be privately essned and charter
bby the Goveunmone when requited In 1939, ane were on chaser, Bisby Van's Donte and
Somerethiy of 1927, Devarshire nf 1938 ad the 1917-bult Lancashire. Rr Indi SN Company
‘oval the Neurle oF 1912, the Neva of 1913, Diluars of 1988 and Diora of 1937. Tn 1939 the
‘Dw as complate forthe P's © SN Company. OF hese shps, tte were fost isthe war, Wa
fodiens, however, proved i uscesviny un uae bigger sul Fst! ships for kurrying trops £0 the
teele fone an many large passenges liners wert rogusiioned 26 troupships. When war ede
(Sine age were age rgencly required, sie tine by dhe owners, desrons oF re-opening thei
ervices and fe Goernment find ieaceessiy to woavert 3 numberof German passenger ships
SMhukmned i prize, to emopstips to supplaseie the troop Hse. ‘ey were then ven the
{roopahip livery of vite hull wt Mae lide around Hae bul, and a bo funnel

Target of tacse were Poison (1,047 gal Notsdentecher Lloyd, which became Ene Howey
reors (17.42 ad Lens (9.528 0 of the Deutsie OstAfriks Lic which became np
Gren! and inpie Ken respectively and the Hamburg Siu-Aeuenies Line cps Aninto Devine
[4056 gh and Mowce Rove (M631 gl, renamed Fienge Heals and Fagive Wivdrck. voor
Tiasbucy Sad Ameria ship was Cap Nove which Soeame Fyre Trooper after captare by FLMLS.
bale

‘Sites wesc taker nver were Bnosh-iag casuals of watt Royal Mall Lines Asturias ana dhe
ld Alans, Cunard White Star Line's George andthe Furness Withy shups Moun of Derma
Eavera Pace Prince Line}, OF these, ony the st was given an Ear ane

Iraidcion 9

“Thete were also a ramier of smaller sips der Misty control whieh were uso fox catrying
arog Sours Linge Lon, Lope Feuraer inp eo al Ente Skt worked nce
eee remem hetween Britsh-teld ports, having bers: cued over from thir work ae convoy
aoe fips Tare others, LnpiePaestun, Enpve Wansice and Viena worked the Harwich Flic
Ee iglina rn trom 194A. The Viewa ws reqvisiioned as a aapsport mw 1940 anc in 1348 was
Senliec by the MOLI, bo remained wader Ralesy oraaersnt, semetmes moming the
Maburyisrend service, She wa tapped i 196.

Emigrants to the Antipodes

Shorty afer war ended chere Sagan a migration lions war-torn Psrupe, particularly of British
Mieek. all secking a new li tr leah euvironmene. They were geect'y eneuuraged by the
seGbs and New Zealand Governments Inde, so gusat rae the build-up of che movernent
ethers estunsed Sy te Brit and auvelved governencnts wee far Reyer the capability
Ofte shios employed fn the pascenger serices ae that ume. From talks between, government
Slorscutaites std the Ministry cf Transport, eanederssion say then given to he commissioning,
GEhips wich bad worked os Wartime cmsport, tn carey the emigrants. Sipping companies chat
Glen piven owners soporte dhe plan and there Began + buld-up af a Hee ot passenger ships,
ing wn adsptcd for the carving of exmgrante. hoy sale ith fall psstgr Tse and a Gore
Mrethscmene way that relstses ail sade of Uris exzene, unable to obtain & pass othe
ogular line services, onl be caried 98 the rarn voyages. Some of these ships wete Ministry=
posed overs weve charters

Tit Mt sbip of de Mes 35 the Crows, charcred Isom the Orient SN Compan, and ater
sefteng by Canis Laird & Company Tu, Bkeahend, she left Lardou ou 10 October 1947 for
Melbncing and served in lis pacity until 1952 "The Reh! and Chita! of dhe Pe O SN Company
Were is shart aud efe Landon ws 17 Jue 1988 apa 30 Devembor 1948 respectively, bol
und Cor Ssdney. Thy al avodksd inthe sevice una “952. Tour Rib Line ships were seo
‘ken vp fr the emtant service the npahips Dots and Somerset at he end 198% the
[o1aduale Oxfosler fron 10) to 1950 4nd te Cherie, roreing from Livexpnol Hat 19 0
late 1982

Largest ofthe emigranc ships to Ansrika was the motorship Georgi 27.759 guile fs che
‘Whe Sta Line in 1932 Whe Port Teweik on 1s July 19H she was bombed by enemy ait
frm Crete ar set on ie. Aor cemporary nepats at Karach) and Bavahay sli was aequited 9
JMB by the MLO. WT, al sent to Has fo ting 34 soup. La. 1548 another ree sas be
Avan cmigeant ship, Hse voyage from Loverpoul to Sedney begining srs fT January 1949, She
thorked with scasenal chery t's Canad $8 Canipany inthe Not Aclati Sree

“Andheri: nes lea also Besse» cavity a var was the Royal Mail Lin's Asti, Ste
yas aequzed by the Minisery nf Tranaposs an 19M, sebuile a a Ueopship, then workell as an
igi sip fovn Southampton o Sydney bese [34 and 1988, The Anchor Line's Cameron,
bul in 192) wos cfr fom top to catty oomigrant, aking bos Rest voyages 1 Nocerber
198%. ought by the M.O. 1.44 1993, she retsrned to eaoping 3 the I mpre Ce

Emigration to Nese Zealand as ou nen soaller sees Thace ships owned by the Ministry
of Transport were pur onthe serste, the Hrt Heng Ue former Royal Mail Li's Aart 13,199 a
‘hich et Southampton vm AH Novcinber 194 for Wellington. Reguisitiened when war broke ou
She became 10.4, Hacptl Ship Nv. 33, being aeqlted by she MOT. in 198], For 148 she