Cameronia (2)

The Cameronia (2) was a significant British passenger liner built immediately after World War I, notable for being the first passenger vessel completed in the UK following the conflict. Launched by William Beardmore & Co. of Dalmuir, Scotland, she was completed in just nine and a half months from keel-laying to launch, providing crucial post-war employment.

Initial Service (1921-1935)

Originally designed as a three-class vessel for Atlantic and Mediterranean services, Cameronia (2) began her career on May 11, 1921, operating between Glasgow and New York. Her design shared similarities with Cunard's 'A' class liners, though featuring a more modern cruiser stern rather than Cunard's traditional counter stern design. The implementation of U.S. emigration quotas in the 1930s restricted her to Northern European-U.S. routes until the Great Depression forced her into layup.

Wartime and Government Service (1935-1945)

Following Anchor Line's liquidation and acquisition by the Runciman group in 1935, Cameronia (2) was commissioned as a government troopship. She briefly returned to commercial service between Scotland and New York from July 1936 until November 1940, marking Anchor Line's final passenger services. During World War II, while serving as a troopship, she survived a German aerial torpedo attack off Algeria in December 1942, managing to return to the Clyde for repairs.

Post-War Migration Service (1945-1953)

After receiving a complete mechanical overhaul at Barclay, Curle and Co. of Glasgow, Cameronia (2) was reconfigured for emigrant transport to Australia. Between 1949 and 1953, she completed 11 round voyages to Australia via Suez, calling at Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney, and later Malta.

Final Years (1953-1957)

The British Government purchased her outright in 1953, renaming her Empire Clyde for service transporting British and Commonwealth troops during the Korean War. She was finally sold for scrapping in September 1957 to J. Cashmore Ltd. in Monmouthshire, Wales.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Dimensions	578 ft x 70 ft (176.2m x 21.3m)
Draught	31 ft (9.4m)
Gross Tonnage	16,584
Engine	Six Beardmore Geared turbines (13,500 SHP)
Speed	16 knots
Passenger Capacity	1,266 (one class)
Crew	320