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Archiver > Mariners > 1999-07 > 0931172264


From: Ted Finch.< >
Subject: Re: [Mariners-L] P&O vessel Britannia and "D.V.s.V.s."
Date: Mon, 5 Jul 1999 11:57:44 +0100


Hi Don,

I can't explain D.V.s.V.s. Later bad reports were stamped "Decline to
Report" on discharge papers.

The BRITANNIA was a 6,525 gross ton ship, length 465.7ft x beam 52ft, two
funnels, four masts (rigged for sail), single screw and a speed of 15 knots.
There was accommodation for 250-1st and 160-2nd class passengers. This ship
was one of five sister ships known as the "Jubilee" class and at the time of
building were the company's largest, fastest, longest and most expensive
ships, a distinction which they held for only four years.
Built by Caird & Co, Greenock for P&O Steam Nav. Co, she ran aground on her
delivery voyage in the River Thames on 18th Oct.1887. Undamaged, she started
her maiden voyage on 5th Nov.1887 when she left London for Colombo,
Melbourne and Sydney. In 1894 she ran aground in the Suez Canal but was
refloated. Between 1894-95 she was chartered for six months to the British
Government for trooping, and in 1907 carried Prince Fushimi of Japan on a
state visit to Britain. She was broken up at Genoa in 1909. [Merchant Fleets
by Duncan Haws, vol.1, P&O, Orient and Blue Anchor Lines]

Hope this helps
Ted

At 09:16 04/07/99 -0700, Don wrote:
>I am looking for information about the P&O's Britannia in 1903, and what
>servis she was in.
>Also - Per P&O records my ancestor Henry HILLCOAT then a 4th officer,
>resigned in May of 1908
>and his "Papers destroyed 24/2/15 - One bad report D.V.s.V.s."
>Can someone explain "D.V.s.V.s."
>
>
>Don (Arizona)

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