Official No:                            63915

Builder:                         Samuda Bros., Poplar, London

Launched:                     1879

Pennant No:                         

Into Service:                  1 December 1917

Out of service:               1919

Fate:                            1956 broken up

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:

April 1879 completed by Samuda Bros., Poplar, London as Yard Nr: ?? named EMPRESS for Cosens & CO Ltd., Weymouth operated from Bournemouth and Weymouth to Swanage and the Isle of Wight

July 1881 was the first steamer to run a day excursion from Bournemouth to Torquay, a round trip which took 13½ hours

29 September 1898 while moored in Weymouth Harbour was struck by the steamer Lynx causing damage to the Empress’ quarter and stern

1 December 1917 requisitioned for Admiralty service as an Examination Vessel – name unchanged

1919 returned to her owners – name unchanged

1955 participated in the film “Great Expectations” and made two trips to the River Medway for filming

9 September 1955 conducted her final trip and was then laid up

10 April 1956 arrived at Northam for demolition by Pollock, Brown & Co Ltd.,

Notes

1. had the last set of oscillating engines operating which were preserved at the Southampton MaritimeMuseum