BRITANNIC. Passenger Built by Harland & Wolf, Belfast for the White Star Line.
Launched 6 Aug 1929. Delivered 21 June 1930. 26.943Gt. 16.445Nt. L683·8". B82·6". D52·11".
Two B & W diesel engines, 2 screws 20000shp. Speed 18knts.
Two funnels (forward one a dummy).
Last vessel to fly White Star colours.
Maiden voyage 28 June 1930, Liverpool-New York. On 10 May 1934 became part of the Cunard-White Star Line when those two lines merged. Transferred to the London-New York service 19 Apr 1935.
On 29 Aug 1939 requisitioned as a Troop Transport. Left England for Bombay in Sept 1939, returning with various British personnel.
Unsuccessfully attacked by Italian aircraft in the Red Sea Oct 1940 and by German submarines and aircraft in Jan 1942 while in-convoy.
In 1943 carried reinforcements from US to Algiers for the invasion of Sicily.
In May 1944 transported a total of 20,000 US troops to England as part of the build up prior to D-Day. During her wartime service carried 180,000 troops.
Returned to owners in March 1947.
Refit by Harland & Wolf at Liverpool 27,666Gt. 15,811Nt.
On 22 May 1948 returned to the Liverpool New York service.
Collided with the cargo ship PIONEEER LAND in the Ambrose Channel, New York on 1 June 1950. Began her last Liverpool-New York voyage 11 Nov 1960, arriving 4 Dec 1960.
Sold to T W Ward, Inverkeithing, Scotland for breaking up, arriving 19 Dec 1960.
- Canada 1995. 43c. SG1625 (WP Sept 95)