Moreton Bay

The Moreton Bay was one of five "Bay" ships delivered to the Australian Commonwealth Line between 1921 and 1922, specifically designed to establish monthly services between Britain and Australia. Named after the large inlet near Brisbane, she was the first of the Bay ships to be completed and represented a significant upgrade to the Commonwealth fleet's capabilities.

Construction and Design

Built by Vickers Armstrong at their Barrow-in-Furness yard, Moreton Bay was launched on April 23, 1921, and completed in November of the same year. She was one of three sisters constructed by Vickers, while two others, Largs Bay and Esperance Bay, were built by William Beardmore & Co. on the Clyde.

Early Service (1921-1928)

The vessel commenced her maiden voyage from Tilbury to Brisbane on December 7, 1921. Her regular route included calls at Port Said, Aden, and Colombo en route to Australian ports. Initially, she featured a black hull with white superstructure and buff funnel.

Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line Years (1928-1939)

Following reported mismanagement of the Australian Commonwealth Line, ownership transferred to the Kylsant group in 1928. Under the reorganized Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line, managed by White Star and George Thompson Co., the vessel received its distinctive deep green hull livery. After the Kylsant group's financial collapse, operations were temporarily suspended before resuming under Shaw, Savill and Albion management.

Wartime Service (1939-1947)

In September 1939, Moreton Bay was converted in Australia to an armed merchant cruiser. She patrolled the Atlantic protecting Allied shipping and achieved a notable success on October 31, 1940, when she captured the French liner Cuba attempting to reach a Vichy French port. The vessel participated in both the North African and Normandy landings.

Post-War Service (1947-1957)

Released from military duty in 1947, Moreton Bay underwent a significant refit, converting her to accommodate 514 tourist class passengers. She returned to commercial service by late 1948, operating on a two-monthly schedule. Her deep holds were equipped with refrigeration units capable of carrying 360,000 tons of meat to Britain, providing valuable food supplies during post-war rationing.

The vessel's final voyage from London began on November 30, 1956. After returning to Britain, she was sold to T W Ward of Barrow, arriving there for scrapping on April 13, 1957.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Gross Tonnage	13,850
Length	549 ft (167.2 m)
Beam	68 ft (20.7 m)
Draught	33 ft (10 m)
Propulsion	D.R.G. Vickers Geared turbines (9000 SHP)
Speed	15 knots
Passenger Capacity	Initially 12 first + 712 third class; later 542 tourist
Sister Ships	Hobsons Bay, Jervis Bay