South Tyneside History
| Title | RMS 'Mauretania' leaves the Tyne |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | STH0001959 |
| Photographer | Unknown |
| Town or Village | South Shields |
| Date | Jul 35 |
| Original Format | Black and white photograph |
| Period | The 1930s |
| Copyright | South Tyneside Libraries |
| Further Information | RMS Mauretania was built at Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson, Wallsend-On-Tyne. Launched on 20th September 1906, she maintained the Blue Riband record until 1929. She served in the First World War as a hospital ship and troop carrier, safely transporting thousands of British, Canadian and American soldiers through hostile waters and to and from war zones. She resumed normal commercial sailings in 1920. In 1930 the great depression and newer rivals made Cunard desperate for business. She was relegated from the transatlantic run and painted white, following Cunard’s standard cruise ship practice.  When Cunard merged with White Star in 1934 she and her sisters, the Olympic and Majestic were laid up and eventually sold for breaking up. The Mauretania was despatched to Metal Industries Ltd. of Glasgow. During her final voyage to the breaker's yard, she made a guest visit to her birth place, the River Tyne in July 1935. |
