Grecale (ship)

The Empire ships were a series of ships in the service of the British Government. Their names were all prefixed with "Empire". They were mostly used during World War II by the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), who owned the ships but contracted out their management to various shipping lines. Some ships requisitioned during the Suez Crisis were also given the Empire prefix. They were acquired from a number of sources. Many were built for the MoWT, others obtained from the United States, still others were captured or seized from enemy powers.

Empire Sidney was a 6,904 GRT cargo ship which was built by Harland & Wolff Ltd, Belfast. Launched on 4 September 1941 and completed in May 1942. Allocated in 1943 to the Dutch Government and renamed Van der Helst. Sold in 1946 to Koninklijke Java-China-Japan Lijn, Netherlands and renamed Tjimenteng. Sold in 1963 to Diamandis Eikidi Naftiliaki Eteria and renamed Diamandis. Operated under the management of A Halcoussis & Co, Greece. Arrived on 20 January 1970 at Cartagena, Spain for scrapping.

Empire Silas was a 275 GRT tug which was built by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby. Launched on 13 December 1943 and completed in April 1944. Sold in 1946 to Fairplay Towing & Shipping Co Ltd, London and renamed Fairplay Two. Capsized on 22 June 1947 and sank off Vlissingen, Netherlands when towing Kuurtanes. Refloated on 13 August 1947 and towed to Antwerp, Belgium. Declared at constructive total loss but repaired. Sold in 1948 to Société Cherif de Remorquage et Sauvetage, Casablanca and renamed Ifrane. Scrapped in 1978 at Casablanca.

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