Official Number:                      106516

Laid down:

Builder:                                  Robert Craggs & Sons, Dent’s Wharf, Middlesbrough

Launched:                              1896

Into Service:                           15 June 1917

Out of service:                        21 April 1920

Fate:                                     October 1928 sold for breaking 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:

1896 launched by Robert Craggs & Sons, Dent’s Wharf, Middlesbrough as Yard Nr 128  named PRINCESS OF WALES for Medway Steam Packet Co Ltd

August 1896 completed as a paddle steamer for her owners’ Strood – Southend route

15 June 1917 requisitioned by the Admiralty for service as an Auxiliary Patrol Vessel and was renamed PADUA and served on the Ferry Service between Chatham and Sheerness. Rate of hire £2 5sh per day

1919 owners became New Medway Steam Packet Co Ltd

21 April 1920 returned to her owners and name reverted to PRINCESS OF WALES

1926 transferred to the Firth of Forth on charter , name unchanged, to The Stanley Butler SS Co Ltd, but was not successful

March 1927 sank at her moorings but was raised, reconditioned and she re-entered service the following year. Repossessed by New Medway Steam Packet Co

October 1928 sold for demolition by T.W. Ward