In 1938, it was decided to form a professional club to join the Southern League. Having seen how Colchester Town had fared so badly after the formation of the professional Colchester United, it was decided to close down the existing club and to reform as "Chelmsford City", despite the fact that Chelmsford itself would not be granted city status until 2012 re Queen's Silver Jubilee "gift".

There has been a Chelmsford City Football Club since 1938 (not so with Stafford, though)

Also could be said of City of Stafford (1944 built). Even today not a UK city. Perhaps "artistic licence"/ ignorance on behalf of Ellermans. (There is a Stafford City in Texas but why would Ellermans choose it ..population around 10,000? at time of ship)

IMO No: 5309865
Year: 1943
Name: SAMBRAKE
Type: Cargo ship
[L as LIONEL COPLEY] - 47 CITY OF CHELMSFORD - 60 SAN GEORGE - 68 SUERTE
BU Split 6.10.71 [Brodospas]

Interesting name - does it relate to the English town of Chelmsford or another one? The English place became a City only in 2002, although many people - including the leaders of the soccer team - have long considered it to have that status. Nice photo - any indication please of where and when?