RMS Aquitania, known as the "Ship Beautiful," was a British ocean liner built by John Brown and Company at the Clydebank shipyard in Scotland. Launched on April 21, 1913, and christened by Alice Stanley, the Countess of Derby, Aquitania was designed by Leonard Peskett and took over a year to complete. The ship measured 901 feet in length, 97 feet in beam, and had a gross tonnage of 45,647.
Aquitania began her maiden voyage on May 29, 1914, but her career was soon interrupted by the outbreak of World War I. She was converted into a troopship and transported thousands of soldiers to various battlefields, including the Dardanelles. During the war, she also served as a hospital ship, showcasing her versatility and value to the British military efforts.
After the war, Aquitania underwent a refit and returned to passenger service, becoming one of the most popular liners of the 1920s. She sailed alongside her companions, Mauretania and Berengaria, as part of Cunard Line's esteemed "Big Three." Known for her luxurious interiors and elegant design, Aquitania's public rooms featured rich artwork and decorations, including a notable Garden Lounge with wicker furniture and glazed windows.
During World War II, Aquitania once again played a crucial role as a troopship, transporting troops and supplies across the globe. She served in various theatres, including the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific, and logged over 500,000 miles while carrying nearly 400,000 soldiers. After the war, she was refitted and resumed passenger service, bringing war brides and their children to Canada.
As the years went by, Aquitania's condition began to deteriorate, and she was eventually retired from service in 1949. Despite her importance and historical significance, she was sold for scrap in 1950. Today, her legacy lives on through various artefacts, including her ship's wheel, which is preserved at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
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