Empress of Australia
The Empress of Australia was launched in 1913 as the German passenger vessel Tirpitz, though world events would dramatically alter her intended career. Built by A.G. Vulkan Werke in Stettin for the Hamburg America Line, her completion was delayed by World War I, after which she was allocated to the British Government as war reparations.
Construction and Early Years
Originally launched as Tirpitz in 1913, the vessel's early career was interrupted by World War I. In 1919, she was allocated to the British Government as war reparations. Canadian Pacific purchased the ship in 1921, initially naming her Empress of China. After a refit in Hamburg, she was renamed Empress of Australia in 1922.
Pacific Service
The vessel commenced her Pacific service with a maiden voyage from the Clyde to Vancouver on June 16, 1922. During her Pacific career, she played a significant humanitarian role during the September 1, 1923 Yokohama earthquake, participating in rescue and relief work. She completed 20 Pacific voyages before departing Hong Kong for the Atlantic on August 4, 1926.
Atlantic Service
Following her Pacific service, the Empress of Australia underwent re-engining at Glasgow from 1926 to 1927. She returned to service on June 25, 1927, with the prestigious assignment of carrying the Prince of Wales to Canada for the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Canadian Confederation.
Wartime Service and Final Years
In 1939, the Empress of Australia was converted for wartime duty as a troopship. She served in this capacity throughout World War II and continued trooping operations until 1952, when she was finally broken up at Inverkeithing, Scotland.
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Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built By | A.G. Vulkan Werke, Stettin |
| Launched | 1913 |
| Original Name | Tirpitz |
| Original Owner | Hamburg America Line |
| Subsequent Names | Empress of China (1921) Empress of Australia (1922-1952) |
| Final Disposition | Broken up at Inverkeithing (1952) |
Service History Timeline
- 1913: Launched as Tirpitz
- 1919: Allocated to British Government
- 1921: Acquired by Canadian Pacific
- 1922: Renamed Empress of Australia
- 1922-1926: Pacific service (20 voyages)
- 1926-1927: Re-engined at Glasgow
- 1927-1939: Atlantic service
- 1939-1952: Troopship service
- 1952: Broken up