SS Homeric

SS Homeric

RMS Homeric -- Official White Star Line Card

Built: 1922, F. Schichau, Danzig.
Yard No: 891
Funnels: 2 Masts: 2
Tonnage: 34,351 GRT
Dimensions: 236.0 x 25.1 m / 774 x 82.3 ft.
Engines: Triple Expansion by builders.
Twin Screw; 32,000 IHP; 18, max 19 kn.
Hull: Steel, 5 Decks, Bridge-675 ft.
Passengers: 529-1st Class, 487-2nd Class, 1,750-3rd Class
Crew: 730

White Star had listed a Homeric as being under construction in 1913, but she existed only on paper. The name was now bestowed on this purchased vessel.

The Homeric was originally launched as Columbus for Norddeutscher Lloyd on December 17, 1913. In August 1914 following the outbreak of war, construction was halted on the 80 percent completed ship. On June 28, 1919 the Treaty of Versailles stipulated that the Columbus should be handed over to Great Britain. In 1920 she was surrendered to Britain. In June 1920 the White Star Line, Liverpool, bought the new ship and renamed her Homeric. Building continued under British supervision. On January 21, 1922 the Homeric arrived in Southampton following completion and trials. On February 15, 1922 she made her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. In October 1923 she was refit by Harland & Wolff, lasting until March, 1924. Refit included changing to oil-firing and improvements to her engines. Her new service speed was 19.5 kn. Passenger accommodation was changed to 523-1st Class, 841-Cabin Class, 314-3rd Class. On June 1, 1932 she made her last voyage on the North Atlantic and from thereafter she was used for cruising. In February 1934 White Star and Cunard Line merged to form Cunard-White Star LTD. In September 1935 she was laid up off Ryde, and in February 1936 the Homeric was sold for breaking up to T.W.Ward, Inverkeithing.