Hobsons Bay

Originally launched as Hobsons Bay, this vessel was one of five "Bay" class ships delivered to the Australian Commonwealth Line between 1921 and 1922. She operated primarily on the Australia-UK route and later served with distinction during World War II.

Construction and Design

Built by Vickers, Armstrongs Ltd. at their Barrow-in-Furness yard, Hobsons Bay was launched on October 4, 1921, and completed in January 1922. She was one of three sisters built at Barrow, alongside Moreton Bay and Jervis Bay, while two additional sisters, Largs Bay and Esperance Bay (1), were constructed by William Beardmore & Co. on the Clyde.

Early Service (1922-1928)

The vessel commenced her maiden voyage on February 28, 1922, operating from London to major Australian cities. Initially painted with a black hull, she carried 12 first-class and 712 third-class passengers. The early years were marked by operational challenges under Australian Commonwealth Line management.

Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line Years (1928-1939)

In 1928, ownership transferred to the Kylsant group of companies, operating under the Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line with management from White Star and George Thompson Co. During this period, the ship received her distinctive deep green hull livery. Module prefabricated cabins were installed in the upper hold spaces. Following the Kylsant group's financial collapse, operations were temporarily suspended. The vessel was renamed Esperance Bay (2) in 1936 under Shaw, Savill and Albion management.

Wartime Service (1939-1945)

War was declared while the ship was en route to Brisbane, leading to immediate requisition. As an armed merchant cruiser until 1941, she survived a German bomber attack that disabled her steering gear, managing to reach port through skillful use of her twin screws. She transported troops to the Middle East and South Africa, carried an entire garrison to the Falkland Islands, and transported US troops across the Atlantic. To deter submarine attacks, she was disguised as a 'Hunt' class destroyer.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Dimensions	549 ft x 68 ft (167.3m x 20.7m)
Draught	33 ft (10m)
Gross Tonnage	13,837
Propulsion	D.R.G. Vickers steam turbines (9000 SHP)
Speed	15 knots
Passenger Capacity	Initially 12 first/712 third class; Later 542 tourist
Crew	216

After a long and varied career, Esperance Bay (2) was scrapped at Faslane in 1955.