Built as a passenger vessel under yard 297 by J & G Thomson, Clydebank, Scotland for the London & South Western Railway Co., Southampton.
15 June 1996 launched as the VICTORIA.
Tonnage 710 grt, 627 net, 303 dwt., dim. 67.2 x 8.6 x 4.97m.
Powered by two 3-cyl triple expansion steam engines, 1,500 ihp, speed 17 knots.
July 1896 completed.
25 July 1896 made her maiden voyage from Jersey to St Malo and Granville. (some sources give 1 August).
Used in that service until November 1903 where after she was stationed at Plymouth and used as tender for the passenger liners which made a call there.
29 June 1907 again in the Jersey to France service.
November 1914 requisition by the British Admiralty as a “Q” ship till January 1915.
October until December 1915 again requisition for unspecified use, and renamed SURF II.
Between she was used in the service from Jersey to France until 18 September 1918.
1925 Sold to James Dredging, Towage & Transport Co. Ltd., Southampton, who used her as an accommodation ship for workmen in Southampton area.
1927 Sold to the Patriotic Cie. de Nav. á Vapeur et d’Armement (K. Kallias & L. Teryazos, Piraeus, Greek, tonnage then given as 569 gross ton.
1935 Sold to L.Teryazos, Piraeus.
Fourth quarter of 1937 the VICTORIA having retained her name to the end was broken up in Greece.
Jersey 2001 40p sg?, scott?
Source: Register of Merchant Ships completed in 1896. Lloyds Register. Watercraft Philately 2000/30