Ceramic (1)

The first Ceramic was an impressive 18,500-ton passenger liner built by Harland and Wolff for the combined White Star-Shaw Savill organization. Launched on December 11, 1912 and completed in 1913, she was designed for service between the United Kingdom and Australia/New Zealand. With her four masts and single tall funnel, she cut an imposing figure operating from her home port of Liverpool.

Wartime Service

During WWI, Ceramic attracted U-boat attention but emerged unscathed. She transferred to Shaw Savill & Albion management in 1934. When WWII was declared, she was at sea and made haste to Sydney, quickly turning around to carry vital supplies back to Liverpool. After repairs following a collision with Bank Line's Testbank, she embarked on what would be her final voyage.

Final Voyage and Loss

Departing Liverpool on November 23, 1942 under Captain H.C. Elford with 378 military and civilian passengers plus 278 crew, Ceramic was torpedoed by U-515 off the Cape of Good Hope. The explosion caused the ship to sink rapidly. Of 656 people aboard, only one crewman was taken prisoner as proof of the sinking - other survivors were left to drown. This sole survivor endured two years of imprisonment before being able to inform the owners of Ceramic's fate. In tribute, Shaw Savill named their third postwar passenger-cargo liner Ceramic (2).

Key Facts

Specification	Detail
Built	1912-1913
Builder	Harland and Wolff
Tonnage	18,481 GRT (later 18,800)
Dimensions	655' x 69' x 25'
Propulsion	Triple-screw, combined reciprocating & turbine (9,000 IHP)
Home Port	Liverpool

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