RMS Mauretania (1938)
RMS Mauretania in 1938
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| History | |
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 United Kingdom
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| Name: | RMS Mauretania |
| Operator: |
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| Port of registry: | Liverpool, UK |
| Route: | London-New York |
| Builder: | Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, England |
| Laid down: | 24 May 1937 |
| Launched: | 28 July 1938 |
| Christened: | 28 July 1938 |
| Maiden voyage: | 17 June 1939 |
| Fate: | 1965: Broken up at Thos W Ward's shipbreaking yard in Inverkeithing, Scotland |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Ocean liner |
| Tonnage: | 35,738 GRT |
| Length: | 772 ft (235 m) |
| Beam: | 89 ft (27 m) |
| Propulsion: |
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| Speed: | 23 knots (43 km/h; 26 mph) |
| Capacity: |
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| Crew: | 802 |
RMS Mauretania was launched on 28 July 1938 at the Cammell Laird yard in Birkenhead, England, and was completed in May 1939. The second Mauretania was the first ship built for the newly formed Cunard White Star company following the merger in April 1934 of the Cunard and White Star Line. On the withdrawal of the first RMS Mauretania in 1934, to prevent a rival company using the name and to keep it available for the new liner, arrangements were made for the Red Funnel paddle steamer Queen to be renamed Mauretania in the interim.
The new liner had a tonnage of 35,739 gross, an overall length of 772 feet (235 m) and a beam of 89 feet (27 m) and had a exterior design similar to RMS Queen Elizabeth. The vessel was powered by two sets of Parsons single reduction-geared steam turbines giving 42,000 shaft horsepower (31,000 kW) and driving twin propellers. Her service speed was 23 knots (43 km/h) with a maximum speed of 26 knots (48 km/h).
The second Mauretania was built by Cammell Laird of Birkenhead and was the largest ship built in England at that time. She was also the first new ship delivered to the combined Cunard White Star Line. Mauretania was laid down on 24 May 1937 as Yard Number 1029. This new medium sized Cunarder was launched on 28 July 1938 by Lady Bates, wife of the Cunard White Star chairman. She was named Mauretania to honour the previous record breaking Mauretania which had been retired in 1935. The ship was designed for the London to New York service and was the largest vessel ever to navigate the River Thames and use the Royal Docks. She was also intended to stand in for one of the Cunard Queens when they were undergoing maintenance.
"This is a red letter day, not only for me but for Merseyside. The launch of the largest ship that has ever been built in England. I hope that like her namesake she may work her way into the affections of all who have to do with her on both sides of the Atlantic. To the ship and all who serve or sail in her I wish all good fortune. I name you Mauretania."
Words of Lady Bates, the wife of Cunard White Star chairman Sir Percy Bates at the launch ceremony on 28 July 1938.
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