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Archiver > Mariners > 2002-01 > 1010165139


From: "Ted Finch" <>
Subject: Re: [Mar] SS SAXON
Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2002 17:25:39 -0000
References: <NCBBKNANFLJNDIFNDLFAOEFHCDAA.jeff@royce121.freeserve.co.uk>


Hi Jeff,

Here are details of the SAXON, but you are on the wrong list for passenger
information. You need
Passengers are strictly off topic for the
Mariners List.

The SAXON was a 12,385 gross ton ship, length 570.5ft x beam 64.4ft, two
funnels, two masts, twin screw and a speed of 17.5 knots. There was
accommodation for 310-1st, 203-2nd, 132-3rd and 154-steerage class
passengers.
Built by Harland & Wolff, Belfast for the Union Line, she was launched on
2st Dec.1899, a few weeks before the merger between the Union and Castle
Lines to form the Union-Castle Mail Steamship Co. After running her trials,
she proceeded to Holyhead where she picked up a large number of guests for
her sailing to Southampton. She left Southampton in June 1900 on her maiden
voyage, so heavily booked that extra 3rd class accommodation had to be
temporarily installed. On July 3rd she reached Cape Town. She then ran
regularly on the mail service between Southampton, Cape Town and Durban with
a call at Madeira. In 1902 she carried the three Boer War generals, Botha,
de la Rey and de Witt to Southampton. On the outbreak of the Great War, she
continued service to South Africa, changing her departure port to London on
the closure of Southampton to commercial shipping. Requisitioned in Jan.1917
for use as a transport in the Mediterranean, she spent most of that year
operating between Marseilles and Alexandria. Later she made a voyage to East
Africa and then transferred to the Atlantic bringing US troops to Europe.
After the Armistice, she made a voyage to Australia, probably with returning
troops and was then handed back to her owners.
In August 1921, she had a serious fire after leaving Madeira, so serious
that distress signals were made and the cargo liner WAIPARA stood by and
escorted her to Freetown where the KENILWORTH CASTLE was diverted to pick up
her passengers and mails. Withdrawn from service in 1931 after the
introduction of more modern ships by the company, she was laid up for four
years until sold for scrap in 1935.[Steamers of the Past by J.H.Isherwood,
Sea Breezes Magazine, Oct.1959]

Hope this helps
Ted


----- Original Message -----
From: Jeffery Royce <>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 4:41 PM
Subject: [Mar] SS SAXON


> Can anyone please advise me details of SS SAXON. Any ideas how to access
> passenger list?
>
> My relative Ernest Leask ROYCE was reportedly carried as passenger on this
> ship from Tilbury, England to Port Victoria, South Africa in May 1919,
after
> being discharged from the army.
>
> Regards, Jeff.
> from dark & very cold Bromley, SE London
>
>
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