SS Megantic (eng)

Statistics

Gross Tonnage - 14,878 tons
Dimensions - 167.75 x 20.51m (550.4 x 67.3ft)
Number of funnels - 1
Number of masts - 2
Construction - Steel
Propulsion - Twin screw
Engines - Eight cylindered quadruple expansion engines
Service speed - 16 knots
Builder - Harland & Wolff, Belfast
Launch date - 10 December 1908
Passenger accommodation - 230 1st class, 430 2nd class, 1,000 3rd class

Details of Career

The ship was originally laid down as the Albany for the Dominion Line. It was launched, however, as the Megantic on 10 December 1908. It was delivered to White Star and made its maiden voyage, from Liverpool to Montreal, on 17 June 1909. It became the fourth ship required for the joint White Star-Dominion weekly service to Canada. It was in the news in 1910 as the ship that brought Dr. Crippen back to England to stand trial.

In October 1914 the ship was part of the famous 32 ship convoy that left Gaspe, escorted by several warships. The following year it was used as a troopship. Later, in 1917, it was attacked by German U-boat UB-43 but managed to escape unscathed. In April of that year it was taken over by the Government under the Liner Requisition Scheme. After fulfilling this duty it began to sail from Liverpool to New York, beginning in April 1918. The Megantic underwent a major refit in April 1919 and the passenger accommodation was altered to hold 325 1st class, 260 2nd class and 550 3rd class passengers. When this was completed it returned to the Liverpool-Montreal route, making winter cruises from New York to the West Indies.

The passenger accommodation on the Megantic was again altered in 1924, this time to house 452 cabin class, 260 2nd cabin class and 550 3rd class passengers. In 1927 it made a one off voyage to Shanghai, carrying troops. From March 1928 it began to sail on a new route, London to New York, via Le Havre, Southampton and Halifax. This route was altered the following month to call at Quebec and Montreal, instead of New York. During 1930-31 it made several economy cruises, along with several other White Star ships. By May 1931 it had reverted back to the Liverpool to Montreal route but was laid up by July in Rothesay Bay. The Megantic left Britain for Osaka in February 1933 to be scrapped.