Official Number:                       125677 

Laid down:

Builder:                                    Ailsa Shipbuilding Co Ltd., Troon

Launched:                               1908

Pennant No:                            Y.9.18

Into Service:                            8 October 1914

Out of service:                         20 May 1915

Fate:                                        30 September 1917 sunk

Items of historic interest involving this ship: –

Background Data:  One of an additional group of ships requisitioned by the Admiralty during WW1 to augment the ships of the RFA

Career Data:

 1908 launched by Ailsa Shipbuilding Co Ltd., Troon as Yard Nr: 184 named DRAKE for General Steam Navigation Co Ltd., Lodnon

April 1908 completed for her owners Mediterranean service

28 December 1908 was berthed in Messina, Sicily when the town was almost destroyed by an earthquake and tidal wave. Took onboard survivors and sailed for Syracuse at nightfall with 317 souls aboard which included 63 nuns and orphans from the local Convent School

29 December 1908 arrived Syracuse with the survivors. The Master was subsequently presented with the Order of the Crown of Italy by King Victor Emmanuel and was also received by Pope Pius X who bestowed upon him the “Bene Merenti” Gold Medal

8 October 1914 requisitioned for Admiralty service as a Squadron Supply Ship and was renamed WILDDRAKE

20 May 1915 was returned to her owners and her name reverted to DRAKE

30 Setember 1917 was captured and sunk by gun fire 340 milkes west of Ushant by the German submarine U90 in position 46.30N 13.00W while on passage from London to Genoa carrying explosives and general cargo. Her Master was taken prisoner