Colin's Diary

Who Are They?

These photographs were taken on board the Asturias in November 1948, by Pat Piggott. His wife Irene (Rene) and son Michael are pictured with other passengers. If you can identify them, please let us know.

Ships' Plans (Click on image to view larger)
[Supplied courtesy of Mr Peter Beckett]

Builders:	Harland & Wolff, Belfast.  Yard No: 507 22,071 GRT; 199.8 x 23.9 m / 656 x 78.4 ft;
Engine, Propeller, Speed:	Burmeister & Wain Diesel, H & W; Twin screw; 150,000 BHP; 16, max 17 kn;
Passengers:	410 1st class, 232 2nd class, 768 3rd class
1925 - Jul 7	Launched
1926 - Jan 12	Completed
1926 - Feb 27	Maiden Voyage, Southampton - La Plata
1934	Converted to turbine propulsion by Harland & Wolff.  Geared turbines with 20,000 SHP for 18, max 19 knots.  Forepart lengthened.  Length overall 203.0 m / 666 ft.  Taller funnels. 22,048 GRT.
Passengers:	330 1st class, 220 2nd class, 768 3rd class
1934 - Sep	Trials after refit.
1939 - Oct	Requisitioned by the Government as an Armed Merchant Cruiser.  Fitted out as troop transport. Forward funnel removed.  Most of her patrols were in the South Atlantic.
1943 - Jul 25	The Asturius was torpedoed and badly damaged by the Italian submarine 'Cagni' in the South Atlantic. The unmanoeuvrable ship was towed to Freetown by the Dutch tug 'Zwarte Zee' and laid up there.
1945 - Feb	Having been written off as a total loss, the Asturias was bought by the British Admiralty and towed to Gibraltar, and later to Belfast, for repairs.
1946 - Sep 14	Departed Belfast as a Civilian Transport.
1946	First voyage in emigrant service Southampton-Sydney.
1949 - information from on- board program:	Length: 665 ft, 11 ins.  Breadth 81 ft.  Gross Tonnage 22444-78.  Horsepower 24,000.  Signal Letters GLQS Speed 29 knots.
Capacities:	Oil fuel 4284-5 tons at 38 cubic feet.  Diesel Oil 337-5 tons.  Fresh water 1862 tons.  Cargo 2619 tons at 40 cubic feet.  Passengers: Grade A 1162, Grade C 544.  Dining Saloons 3 - 1,047 in one sitting.  Crew: 452
1952	Entered service as a troop transport after fitting out at Belfast.  22,445 GRT.  Managed for the Minister of Transport by Royal Mail Lines.
1957	Ship Details ("Present Particulars") - Source British National Archives [Piece MT40/142]
1957 - Sep 12	"Released from sea transport service @ 1200 hrs 12 September 1957" (See 'Voyage and Repair Logs')
1957 - Sep 14	Arrived at Faslane to be broken up.