SS Sardinia
 Image of the SS Sardinia | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name: | SS Sardinia |
| Owner: | P&O 1902-1925 |
| Port of registry: |
Glasgow  |
| Builder: | |
| Yard number: | 431 |
| Launched: | Thursday, 12 June 1902 |
| Fate: | 23 February 1925, sold to Kishimoto Kisen KK for demolition in Osaka, Japan |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage: | 6574 (GRT) |
| Length: | 450ft 3in |
| Beam: | 52ft 3in |
| Draught: | 27ft 2in |
| Installed power: | Two, three cylinder triple expansion steam engines |
| Propulsion: | Twin screws |
| Speed: | 14 knots |
SS Sardinia was a passenger liner and cargo vessel operated by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company between 1902 and 1925, providing both passenger and cargo services on various routes.
Service History
SS Sardinia was built by Barclay Curle & Company of Glasgow, Scotland, and entered service with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company after she was launched on 12 June 1902. She was immediately chartered by the British government as a transport ship to bring back troops from the recently ended war in South Africa, and had her maiden voyage from London to Cape Town in August 1902.[1]
Most notably, she was torpedoed in the starboard bow by a German submarine, whilst in convoy in the Mediterranean during the First world war. Her passengers and most of the crew were transferred to a warship, but senior officers and some crew remained on board. To prevent one of her forward bulkheads from collapsing, she sailed backwards for over sixty miles at a speed of 3.5 knots, eventually arriving in Oran, where temporary repairs were made. Permanent repairs were then made in Gibraltar. Sardinia spent her entire life in service with P&O, and was eventually sold for scrap. She was taken to Osaka, Japan for demolition on 20 July 1925.
References
- ↑ "The Army in South Africa - Return of Troops". The Times (36846). London. 14 August 1902. p. 8.
- ↑ http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=4203