STIRLING CASTLE

UK

Built 1935

The STIRLING CASTLE was built by Harland & Wolff, Belfast in 1935 for Union Castle Line. She was a 25,554 gross ton vessel, length 725ft, one funnel, two masts and a speed of 20 knots. There was accommodation for 300-1st and 500-cabin class passengers. Launched on 15th July 1935, she commenced her maiden voyage from Southampton to Capetown on 7th February 1936. She made a record voyage from Southampton to Capetown of 13 days 9 hours later the same year, which beat the previous record held since 1893 by the Union Line's SCOT. From 1940 she served as a troopship, steaming 505,000 miles and carrying a total of 128,000 personnel. From 1943 she sailed in the trooping service from the USA and on one voyage carried over 6,000 men. She returned to the mail service in 1947 after reconditioning, with accommodation for 243-1st and 540-tourist class passengers. She continued on the Cape run until her last voyage in 1965 when she arrived at Southampton on 30th November. She carried out cruises for a few weeks and finally left Southampton on 1st February 1966 for Mihara, Japan where she arrived on 3rd March for breaking up

Photo Credits: The late Allan Green Vic Australia

Details: The shiplist

Cheers and GB

Gordy