Largs Bay
The Largs Bay was one of five "Bay" class ships delivered to the Australian Commonwealth Line between 1921 and 1922. Built by William Beardmore & Co. on the Clyde, she and her sister ship Esperance Bay (1) were distinguished from their three Barrow-built counterparts by having hulls three feet longer and different manufacturers for their Parsons steam turbines.
Initial Service (1922-1928)
Launched on June 20, 1921, and completed that December, Largs Bay commenced her inaugural voyage on January 4, 1922. Initially registered in Adelaide, she operated with a black hull livery, white superstructure, and buff funnel. The early years were marked by operational challenges under Australian Commonwealth Line management.
Kylsant Period (1928-1939)
In 1928, ownership transferred to the Kylsant group, operating under the reorganized Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line with management by White Star and George Thompson Co. The vessel's registration moved to London, and she 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 until management transferred to Shaw, Savill and Albion.
Wartime Service (1939-1945)
War was declared while Largs Bay was completing her homeward voyage from Australia in 1939. She successfully evacuated passengers and valuable cargo via Malta. Requisitioned as a troop transport in 1941, her first military voyage was to Singapore, escorted by HMS Repulse. She escaped the Japanese invasion but struck a mine entering Naples Harbor in 1944. After repairs, she participated in trooping operations supporting the Allied invasion of Europe.
Post-war Service (1948-1957)
Following a major refit in 1948, Largs Bay returned to commercial service on the Southampton-Brisbane route. She continued operating this service until 1957, when she was sent to the breakers at Barrow.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Builder | William Beardmore & Co, Glasgow |
| Gross Tonnage | 13,853 |
| Length | 552 ft (168.2 m) |
| Beam | 68 ft (20.7 m) |
| Draught | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Propulsion | D.R.G. Parsons steam turbines (9000 SHP) |
| Speed | 15 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | Initially 12 first/710 third class; Later 550 tourist |
| Decks | Six passenger decks |