LAPLAND was built in 1909 by Harland & Wolff at Belfast with a tonnage of 18695grt, a length of 605ft 8in, a beam of 70ft 3in and a service speed of 17 knots.
Launched on 27th June 1908 as the Lapland for the Red Star Line she was, at the time, the largest ship to fly the Belgian flag and commenced her maiden voyage from Antwerp to New York, with a call at Dover, on 27th March 1909.
In April 1912 she repatriated the surviving crew members of the Titanic, including Bruce Ismay, the Titanic’s owner. The survivors had to be segregated in Third Class to avoid journalists, on conclusion of the Court of Enquiry.
On 3rd October 1914 she took part in the famed convoy which brought the first Canadian troops to Europe. She was later transferred to White Star and on 29th October 1914 joined the Liverpool - New York run with the Zeeland and the Vaderland.
In April 1917 she was mined in Liverpool Bay but managed to reach port safely and in the following June became a troopship under the Liner Requisition Scheme with the capacity for 3000 troops.
On the conclusion of the First World War she was placed on what was a makeshift Liverpool to New York service with other ships as and when they were released from war duties.
On 16th September 1919 she was transferred to the Southampton - New York run with the Adriatic but only until 26th November when she made her final sailing for White Star. She was replaced by the Olympic in January 1920 and reverted to Red Star's Antwerp - Southampton - New York service flying the Belgian flag.
In December 1924 she collided with the Java, owned by Stoomboot Maats. 'Nederland', in the river Scheldt.
During 1926 she was mainly deployed cruising from New York to the Mediterranean.
On 11th June 1932 she made her final Atlantic crossing before being laid up at Antwerp. In the following year she was sold for £30,000 and broken up in Japan during 1934.
Various web sites and “White Star Line” by Roy Anderson
Ghana SG2684.