His Majesty's Australian Transports [HMAT] Ships

A fleet of transport ships was leased by the Commonwealth government for the specific purpose of transporting the various AIF formations to their respective overseas destinations. When not committed to military transport, these ships were employed to carry various commodity exports to Britain and France. The fleet was made up from British ships and  captured German vessels.

 

Back

HMAT A1 Hymettus

[From: AWM C02548.]

The HMAT A1 Hymettus weighed 4,606 tons with an average cruise speed of 11.5 knots or 21.3 kmph. It was owned by the British India SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 15 May 1917.

Back

HMAT A2 Geelong

HMAT A2 Geelong at Hobart, 20 October 1914

[From: West Coast Recorder, 19 November 1914, p. 23.]

HMAT A2 Geelong weighed 7,851 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the P&O SN Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until it collided with SS Bonvilston in the Mediterranean and sunk, 1 January 1916.

Back

HMAT A3 Orvietto

HMAT A3 Orvieto embarking from Melbourne, 21 July 1914

[From: The Australasian, 21 November 1914, Picture Supplement, p. I.]

HMAT A3 Orvieto weighed 12,130 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the Orient SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 29 December 1914. It formed part of the first convoy of the AIF to the Egypt. The Orvieto became well known for its work during this convoy as it transported the prisoners captured from the beached German raider Emden. The German prisoners were take to Egypt by the Orvieto for imprisonment.

Back

HMAT A4 Pera

HMAT A4 Pera weighed 7,635 tons with an average cruise speed of 11 knots or 20.37 kmph. It was owned by the P&O SN Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 6 January 1917. The Pera was torpedoed and sunk in Mediterranean on 19 October 1917

Back

HMAT A5 Omrah

The HMAT A5 Omrah weighed 8,130 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the Orient SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 10 February 1915. The Omrah was torpedoed and sunk in Mediterranean, 12 May 1918.

Back

HMAT A6 Clan Maccorquodale

HMAT A6 Clan Maccorquodale

[From: AWM P01122.003]

The HMAT A6 Clan Maccorquodale weighed 5121 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the Cayser, Irvin and Co., Glasgow, and leased by the Commonwealth until 14 April 1915. The Clan Maccorquodale was torpedoed and sunk in Mediterranean, 17 November 1917.

Back

HMAT A7 Medic

White Star Liner HMAT A7 Medic leaving Fremantle, 2 November 1914.

[From: The Western Mail, 20 November 1914, p. 25.]

The HMAT A7 Medic weighed 12,032 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Oceanic SN Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 26 October 1917. The Medic was well known by the Australian forces as it was a key troopship for Australia during the Boer War, some 14 years before the re-engagement.

Back

HMAT A8 Argyllshire

The HMAT A8 Argyllshire weighed 10,392 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the Scottish Shire Line Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 24 January 1918.

Back

HMAT A9 Shropshire

The HMAT A9 Shropshire weighed 8,130 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the Federal SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 5 August 1917.

Back

HMAT A10 Karroo

The HMAT A10 Karroo weighed 6,127 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the Ellerman & Bucknall SS Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 3 January 1917.

Back

HMAT A11 Ascanius

The HMAT A11 Ascanius weighed 10,048 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Ocean SS Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 30 July 1917.

Back

HMAT A12 Saldanha

[From: State Library of NSW, picture number a639516]  

The HMAT A12 Saldanha weighed 4,594 tons with an average cruise speed of 11 knots or 20.37 kmph. It was owned by the Ellerman & Bucknall SS Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 14 June 1917. The Saldanha was torpedoed and sunk in Mediterranean, 18 March 1918.

Back

HMAT A13 Katuna

[From: AWM P00437.001]

The HMAT A13 Katuna weighed 4,641 tons with an average cruise speed of 11 knots or 20.37 kmph. It was owned by the Ellerman & Bucknall SS Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 10 February 1917.

Back

HMAT A14 Euripides

HMAT A14 Euripides, 1919

[From: AWM P03987.001]

The HMAT A14 Euripides weighed 15,050 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the G Thompson & Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 2 June 1917.

Back

HMAT A15 Star of England

HMAT A15 Star of England at Pinkenbar, Queensland, September 1914

[From: AWM C02483]

The HMAT A15 Star of England, later renamed Port Sydney, weighed 9,136 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 22 September 1917.

Back

HMAT A16 Star of Victoria

The HMAT A16 Star of Victoria, later renamed Port Melbourne, weighed 9,152 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd London and leased by the Commonwealth until 2 October 1917.

Back

HMAT A17 Port Lincoln

Back

HMAT A18 Wiltshire

 [From: AWM A04186]

The HMAT A18 Wiltshire weighed 10,390 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 2 October 1917.

Back

HMAT A19 Afric

The HMAT A19 Afric weighed 11,999 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Federal SN Co Ltd, London. The Afric was torpedoed and sunk in the English Chanel, 12 February 1917.

Back

HMAT A20 Hororata

The HMAT A20 Hororata weighed 9,400 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the New Zealand Shipping Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 11 September 1917.

Back

HMAT A21 Marere

HMAT A21 Marere

[From: State Library of NSW, picture number a638400]  

The HMAT A21 Marere weighed 6443 tons with an average cruise speed of 12.5 knots or 23.15 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London. The Marere was sunk by a submarine's gunfire in the Mediterranean, 18 January 1916.

Back

HMAT A22 Rangatira

The HMAT A22 Rangatira weighed 8948 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the Shaw, Savill and Albion Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 15 February 1915. The Rangatira was stranded off Cape of Good Hope, 31 March 1916.

Back

HMAT A23 Suffolk

The HMAT A23 Suffolk weighed 7573 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the Potter, Trinder and Gwyn, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 14 June 1917.

Back

HMAT A24 Benalla

The HMAT A24 Benalla weighed 11,118 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 6 August 1917.

Back

HMAT A25 Anglo-Egyptian

[From: AWM PB0112]

The HMAT A25 Anglo-Egyptian weighed 7,379 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the Nitrate Producers SS Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 16 April 1917.

Back

HMAT A26 Armadale

The HMAT A26 Armadale weighed 6,153 tons with an average cruise speed of 11 knots or 20.37 kmph. It was owned by the Australind SS Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 7 June 1917. The Armadale was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine off coast of Ireland, 27 June 1917.

Back

HMAT A27 Southern

HMAT A27 Southern, part of the 1st Convoy, 1914

[From: AWM H15740]

The HMAT A27 Southern weighed 4,769 tons with an average cruise speed of 10.5 knots or 19.44 kmph. It was owned by the Central Shipping Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 3 February 1915.

Back

HMAT A28 Miltiades

The HMAT A28 Miltiades weighed 7,814 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the G Thompson & Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 15 September 1917.

Back

HMAT A29 Suevic

 [From: AWM P04754.001]

The HMAT A29 Suevic weighed 12,531 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Oceanic SN Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 9 September 1917.

Back

HMAT A30 Borda

Back

HMAT A31 Ajana

The HMAT A31 Ajana weighed 7,759 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Australind SS Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 12 May 1917.

Back

HMAT A32 Themistocles

The HMAT A32 Themistocles weighed 11,231 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the G Thompson & Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 20 October 1917.

Back

HMAT A33 Ayrshire

 HMAT A33 Ayrshire departing from Port Melbourne on 3 July 1916 

[From: AWM PB0179]

The HMAT A33 Ayrshire weighed 7,763 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the The Scottish Shire Line Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 9 January 1918.

Back

HMAT A34 Persic

The HMAT A34 Persic weighed 12,042 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Oceanic SN Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 8 November 1917.

Back

HMAT A35 Berrima

HMAT A35 Berrima

[From: Clydesite 11748]

The HMAT A35 Berrima weighed 11,137 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 10 October 1917.

Back

HMAT A36 Boonah

HMAT A36 Boonah

[From: State Library of NSW, PXE 722/526-527]

The HMAT A36 Boonah weighed 5,926 tons with an average cruise speed of 10.5 knots or 19.44 kmph. The Boonah was previously a captured German vessel called Melbourne. It was manned by Australia officers and crew and transferred to Commonwealth Government Line, 28 March 1918.

Back

HMAT A37 Barambah

The HMAT A37 Barambah weighed 5,923 tons with an average cruise speed of 10.5 knots or 19.44 kmph. The Barambah was previously a captured German vessel called Hobart. It was manned by Australia officers and crew and transferred to Commonwealth Government Line, 23 May 1918.

Back

HMAT A38 Ulysses

Back

HMAT A39 Port MacQuarie

The HMAT A39 Port MacQuarie weighed 7,236 tons with an average cruise speed of 12.5 knots or 23.15 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 13 January 1917.

Back

HMAT A40 Ceramic

The HMAT A40 Ceramic weighed 18,481 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the Oceanic SN Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 9 July 1917.

Back

HMAT A41 Bakara

HMAT A41 Bakara

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr001322]  

The HMAT A41 Bakara weighed 5,930 tons with an average cruise speed of 10.5 knots or 19.44 kmph. The Bakara was previously a captured German vessel called Constaff. It was manned by Australia officers and crew and transferred to Commonwealth Government Line, 1 May 1918.

Back

HMAT A42 Boorara

The HMAT A42 Boorara weighed 5,923 tons with an average cruise speed of 10.5 knots or 19.44 kmph. The Boorara was previously a captured German vessel called Pfalz. It was manned by Australia officers and crew and transferred to Commonwealth Government Line, 24 June 1919.

Back

HMAT A43 Barunga

[From: State Library of NSW, picture number a636443] 

The HMAT A43 Barunga weighed 7,484 tons with an average cruise speed of 11 knots or 20.37 kmph. The Barunga was previously a captured German vessel called Sumatra. It was manned by Australia officers and crew. The Barunga was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine in the North Atlantic, 15 July 1918.

Back

HMAT A44 Vestalia

The HMAT A44 Vestalia weighed 5,528 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the Gow, Harrison & Co, Glasgow, and leased by the Commonwealth until 10 March 1917.

Back

HMAT A45 Bulla

HMAT A45 Bulla

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr006216] 

The HMAT A45 Bulla weighed 5,099 tons with an average cruise speed of 10.5 knots or 19.44 kmph. The Bulla was previously a captured German vessel called Hessen. It was manned by Australian officers and crew and transferred to Commonwealth Government Line, 15 April 1918.

Back

HMAT A46 Clan McGillivray

HMAT A46 Clan McGillivray

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr006195]

The HMAT A46 Clan McGillivray weighed 5,023 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the Cayser, Irvin and Co, Glasgow, and leased by the Commonwealth until 16 August 1917.

Back

HMAT A47 Mashobra

 HMAT A47 Mashobra

The HMAT A47 Mashobra weighed 8,174 tons with an average cruise speed of 12.5 knots or 23.15 kmph. It was owned by the British India SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 21 December 1916. The Mashobra was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean, 15 April 1917.

Back

HMAT A48 Seang Bee

HMAT A48 Seang Bee departing from Brisbane, 21 October 1915

[From:  John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Picture Number 82596]

The HMAT A48 Seang Bee weighed 5,849 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Lim Chin Tsong, Rangoon, and leased by the Commonwealth until 12 May 1917.

Back

HMAT A49 Seang Choon

[From: State Library of NSW, picture number a639566]

The HMAT A49 Seang Choon weighed 5,807 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the Lim Chin Tsong, Rangoon. The Seang Choon was torpedoed and sunk off coast of Ireland, 10 July 1917.

Back

HMAT A50 Itonus

HMAT A50 Itonus

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number b38118]

The HMAT A50 Itonus weighed 5,340 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the British India SN Co Ltd, London. The Itonus was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean, 20 December 1916.

Back

HMAT A51 Chilka

The HMAT A51 Chilka weighed 3,952 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the British India SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 4 August 1915.

Back

HMAT A52 Surada

The HMAT A52 Surada weighed 5,324 tons with an average cruise speed of 10 knots or 18.52 kmph. It was owned by the British India SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 4 January 1917. The Surada was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine in Mediterranean, 2 November 1918.

Back

HMAT A53 Itria

The HMAT A53 Itria weighed 5,318 tons with an average cruise speed of 10 knots or 18.52 kmph. It was owned by the British India SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 17 June 1917.

Back

HMAT A54 Runic

[From: State Library of NSW, PXE 722/3502-3506]

The HMAT A54 Runic weighed 12,490 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Oceanic SN Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 27 November 1917.

Back

HMAT A55 Kyarra

The HMAT A55 Kyarra weighed 6,953 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the AUSN Co Ltd, London, and manned by Australia officers and crew. The Kyarra was leased by the Commonwealth until 4 January 1918. The Kyarra was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine in the English Channel, 26 May 1918.

Back

HMAT A56 Palermo

[From: State Library of NSW, picture number a639050]  

The HMAT A56 Palermo weighed 7,597 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 10 January 1917.

Back

HMAT A57 Malakuta

HMAT A57 Malakuta

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database]  

The HMAT A57 Malakuta weighed 7,430 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the T & J Brocklebank Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 24 January 1917.

Back

HMAT A58 Kabinga

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number pc000664]

The HMAT A58 Kabinga weighed 4,657 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the Ellerman & Bucknall SS Co Ltd, London. The Kabinga was captured by Emden in the Bay of Bengal on 12 September 1914 and released with the Emden’s beaching at the Cocos Islands. The Kabinga was leased by the Commonwealth until 19 June 1917.

Back

HMAT A59 Botanist

The HMAT A59 Botanist weighed 7,688 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by the Charente SS Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 6 December 1916.

Back

HMAT A60 Aeneas

The HMAT A60 Aeneas weighed 10,049 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the Ocean SS Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 22 June 1917.

Back

HMAT A61 Kanowna

HMAT A61 Kanowna embarking from Townsville Harbour, August 1914

[From: The Queenslander, 22 August 1914, p. 30.]

The HMAT A61 Kanowna weighed 6,942 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the AUSN Co Ltd, London, and manned by Australia officers and crew. The Kanowna was leased by the Commonwealth until 18 March 1919.

Back

HMAT A62 Wandilla

The HMAT A62 Wandilla weighed 7,785 tons with an average cruise speed of 16 knots or 29.63 kmph. It was owned by the Adelaide SS Co Ltd, Adelaide, and manned by Australian officers and during her service by mainly Australian crews. The Wandilla was leased by the Commonwealth until 24 January 1917.

Back

HMAT A63 Karoola

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr005940]

The HMAT A63 Karoola weighed 7,391 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the McIlwraith, McEacharn's Line Pty Ltd, Melbourne, and manned by Australian officers and crews. The Karoola was leased by the Commonwealth until June 1919.

Back

HMAT A64 Demosthenes

The HMAT A64 Demosthenes weighed 11,223 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the G Thompson & Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 16 March 1917.

Back

HMAT A65 Clan McEwen

[From: Old Ship Picture Gallery]

Back

HMAT A66 Uganda

Back

HMAT A67 Orsova

The HMAT A67 Orsova weighed 12,036 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the Orient SN Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 28 February 1917.

Back

HMAT A68 Anchises

The HMAT A68 Anchises weighed 10,046 tons with an average cruise speed of 10 knots or 18.52 kmph. It was owned by the Ocean SS Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 12 October 1917.

Back

HMAT A69 Warilda

The HMAT A69 Warilda weighed 7,713 tons with an average cruise speed of 16 knots or 29.63 kmph. It was owned by the Adelaide SS Co Ltd, Adelaide, and manned by Australian officers and mainly by Australian crews. The Warilda was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine in the English Channel, 3 August 1918.

Back

HMAT A70 Ballarat

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr005940] 

The HMAT A70 Ballarat weighed 11,120 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London. The Ballarat was torpedoed by a submarine in the English Channel, 25 April 1917 and sank the next day.

Back

HMAT A71 Nestor

The HMAT A71 Nestor weighed 14,501 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the Ocean SS Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth until 26 June 1917.

Back

HMAT A72 Beltana

HMAT A72 Beltana

The HMAT A72 Beltana weighed 11,120 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 14 September 1917.

Back

HMAT A73 Commonwealth

HMAT A73 Commonwealth

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database] 

The HMAT A73 Commonwealth weighed 6,616 tons with an average cruise speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 23 June 1917.

Back

HMAT A74 Marathon

HMAT A74 Marathon

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database]  

The HMAT A74 Marathon weighed 7,827 tons with an average cruise speed of 16 knots or 29.63 kmph. It was owned by the G Thompson & Co Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 28 July 1917.



Royal Mail Steamers

These Royal Mail Steamers were contracted to carry the mail between Australia and Britain. On occasion, parts of the ship were booked by the AIF to carry troops and cargo. The following list is of the Royal Mail Steamers who carried troops:

Back

RMS Kashgar

RMS Kashgar

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database]

The RMS Kashgar weighed 8,840 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London.

Back

RMS Karmala

RMS Karmala

The RMS Karmala weighed 8,9479 with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London.

Back

RMS Megantic

RMS Megantic

The RMS Megantic weighed 5,531 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by F.Leyland & Co., Liverpool. It was torpedoed and sunk on 10 June 1917.

Back

RMS Malwa

The RMS Malwa weighed 10,883 tons with an average cruise speed of 15 knots or 27.78 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London.

Back

RMS Moldavia

The RMS Moldavia weighed 9,500 tons with an average cruise speed of 18.5 knots or 34.26 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London.

Back

RMS Mongolia

RMS Mongolia

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database] 

The RMS Mongolia weighed 4,892 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the  Indian & Peninsular St. Nav Co Ltd Glasgow.  Torpedoed and sunk on 21 July 1918.

Back

RMS Mooltan

RMS Mooltan

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database] 

The RMS Mooltan weighed 9,621 tons with an average cruise speed of 18.5 knots or 34.26 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London.  Torpedoed and sunk by UC27 on 26 July 1917.

Back

RMS Morea

RMS Morea

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database] 

The RMS Morea weighed 10,890 tons with an average cruise speed of 16 knots or 29.63 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London.  

Back

RMS Orontes

 [From: AWM 303744]

The RMS Orontes weighed 9,028 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London.

Back

RMS Osterley

RMS Osterley

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database] 

The RMS Osterley weighed 12,129 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London.

Back

RMS Persia

RMS Persia

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database] 

The RMS Persia weighed 7,974 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London. Torpedoed and sunk on 30 December 1915.

 
Steam Ships

Occasionally, single voyage charters occurred between the ship companies and the AIF to be employed as troop transports. The following list is of the Steam Ships who carried troops:

Back

SS Balmoral Castle

SS Balmoral Castle

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database]  

The SS Balmoral Castle weighed 13,361 tons with an average cruise speed of 16.5 knots or 30.55 kmph. It was owned by the Union-Castle Mail Steamship Company. 

Back

SS Canberra

SS Canberra

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database]   

The SS Canberra weighed 7,707 tons with an average cruise speed of 16.5 knots or 30.55 kmph. It was owned by the Australian Steamships Ltd (Howard Smith), Melbourne.  

Back

SS Carpentaria

SS Carpentaria

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr004969]  

The SS Carpentaria weighed 5,766 tons with an average cruise speed of 16.5 knots or 30.55 kmph. It was owned by British India Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., Calcutta.  

Back

SS City of Karachi

SS City of Karachi

The SS City of Karachi weighed 5,766 tons with an average cruise speed of 16.5 knots or 30.55 kmph. It was owned by Ellerman & Bucknall Steamship Co., London.  

Back

SS Dorset

The SS Dorset weighed 7,630 tons with an average cruise speed of 16.5 knots or 30.55 kmph. It was a purpose built refrigeration ship owned by Potter, Trinder & Gwyn, London.  

Back

SS Dunluce Castle

Back

SS Ellenga

SS Ellenga at El Mina Wharf, Tripoli, Lebanon, 1919

[From: AWM P01122.003]

The SS Ellenga weighed 5,196 tons with an average cruise speed of 16 knots or 29.63 kmph. It was owned by the British India Steam Navigation Company Glasgow & London.

Back

SS Essex

SS Essex

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr003102] 

Back

RPD Feldmarschall or SS Field Marshal

The RPD (Reichspostdampfer - Imperial Mail Steamer) Feldmarschall was originally commissioned in 1903 with the Deutsche Ost-Afrika-Linie (German East Africa Line), Woermann Konsortium, Hamburg, Germany. In 1916 it was captured by the British at Dar es Salaam. It was then operated by Union-Castle Mail SS Co., who renamed it Field Marshal. It was sold in 1922 to a Chinese consortium and renamed Ling Nam.

Back

SS Gaika

SS Gaika

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr003122]  

Back

SS Graechus or SS Gracchus

Back

SS Hawkes Bay

SS Hawkes Bay

The Hawkes Bay was built at Sunderland in 1891. It weighed 4,583 tons. It was owned by the TYSER LINE (G.D.TYSER & CO.)

Back

SS Kaiser-i-Hind

SS Kaiser-i-Hind

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr001405]

The SS Kaiser-i-Hind weighed 11,430 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London. 

Back

SS Indarra

SS Indarra

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database]   

The SS Indarra weighed 9,735 tons with an average cruise speed of 16.5 knots or 30.55 kmph. It was owned by the Australasian United Steam Nav Co., Fremantle.  

Back

SS Katoomba

SS Katoomba

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr007142] 

Back

SS Mahanada

SS Mahanada

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database]    

The SS Mahanada weighed 7,196 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by Thos & Jno Brocklebank Ltd., Liverpool.   

Back

SS Makarini

SS Makarini

[From: State Library of NSW, picture number a638277]  

The SS Makarini weighed 10,624 tons with an average cruise speed of 13 knots or 24.07 kmph. It was owned by G.D.Tyser & Co, London. Accommodation for 750-steerage class passengers. Built by Workman, Clark & Co, Belfast, she was launched on 3rd Feb.1912. In 1914 Tyser's was taken over by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line (Port Line) and she was renamed SS Port Nicholson. Mined and sunk 15 miles West of Dunkirk 15 January1917. [Great Passenger Ships of the World by Arnold Kludas, vol.1, ISBN 0-85059-174-0, which contains a photo of the ship] [Merchant Fleets by Duncan Haws, vol.21, Port Line]

Back

SS Malta

The SS Malta weighed 6,064 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the P & O SN Co, London. 

Back

SS Ormonde

SS Ormonde

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database] 

The SS Ormonde weighed 14,982 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the Orient St Nav Co Ltd, Glasgow. 

Back

SS Oxfordshire

Back

SS Pakeha

SS Pakeha

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number bs004061] 

Back

SS Port Darwin

SS Port Darwin

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number gr006378] 

Back

SS Port Denison

Back

SS Port Lyttelton

SS Port Lyttelton

The SS Port Lyttelton [sometimes referred to as SS Port Lydelton in Australian sources] was formerly the SS Niwaru but requisitioned in 1916 as a troop ship and renamed to SS Port Lyttelton. The ship weighed 6,444 tons with an average cruise speed of 12 knots or 22.22 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line, London. 

Back

SS Port Napier

SS Port Napier

[From: State Library of NSW, picture number a639252 ]   

Back

SS Ruahine II

[From: NZSCo Assn.]

The SS Ruahine II [sometimes referred to as SS Rushine in Australian sources] weighed 10,832 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the NZ Shipping Coy, Auckland. 

Back

SS Wyreema

SS Wyreema

[From: Clydebuilt Ships Database] 

The SS Wyreema weighed 6,926 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the Australasian United Steam Navigation Co, Melbourne. 

Back

SS Zealandic

SS Zealandic

[From: State Library of Victoria, picture number bs004070] 

The SS Zealandic weighed 8,090 tons with an average cruise speed of 18 knots or 33.33 kmph. It was owned by the White Star Line, London. 

Further Reading:

AIF Ships

AIF, MEF and the EEF

Citation: Troop transport ships