RMS Strathmore

The Strathmore was one of P&O's prestigious "White Sisters," launched in 1935 as part of the company's modernization of its passenger fleet. Built by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd. at Barrow-in-Furness, England, she represented a significant advancement in ocean liner design and passenger comfort.

Construction and Design

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York launched the Strathmore on April 4, 1935. The vessel featured a revolutionary new livery, departing from P&O's traditional black hull and stone-colored upperworks in favor of an all-white hull and upperworks with buff funnel and masts, designed to suggest energy, speed, and beauty. Unlike her sister ships which had three funnels (with fore and aft being dummies), the Strathmore featured a single central funnel.

Service History

The Strathmore commenced her inaugural voyage on September 27, 1935, sailing from London to the Canary Islands. She was designed for the India and Australia Mail and passenger service, notably reducing the London-Bombay journey time from 16 to 15 days with her speed of over 20 knots. The vessel introduced a new class designation, replacing "second-class" with "tourist class," suggesting passengers were touring rather than simply traveling economically between points.

Technical Specifications

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Gross Tonnage	23,580
Propulsion	Six Parsons S.R.G. steam turbines
Screws	Twin
Passenger Decks	Seven
Crew Complement	534
Speed	Over 20 knots

All cabins were equipped with running water and a rudimentary but valuable air-conditioning system, marking significant advances in passenger comfort for the era.

Sister Ships

The Strathmore was one of the famous "White Sisters," which included the Strathnaver, Strathaird, Strathallan, and Stratheden.

Final Years

After serving for over three decades, the Strathmore completed her final voyage in May 1969, when she was delivered to shipbreakers at La Spezia, Italy.