Clan Line Ships

Union-Castle Ships

When a nation goes to war, it may find it necessary to expand its naval capabilities quickly. One common practice during times of war is the requisition or acquisition of merchant ships for military use by the navy. This process allows the navy to rapidly increase its fleet size, transport capacity, and logistical support.

During both World War I and World War II, many nations, including the United Kingdom, employed the strategy of requisitioning merchant ships to bolster their naval strength. The Royal Navy, in particular, acquired a significant number of merchant vessels for various purposes. These purposes included:

Transportation of Troops and Supplies: Merchant ships were often converted into troop transports or cargo vessels to move military personnel, equipment, and supplies to various theaters of war.

Convoy Escort: Some merchant ships were armed and used as convoy escorts to protect other vessels from enemy submarines, surface ships, and aircraft.

Minelaying and Minesweeping: Merchant ships were adapted for minelaying operations to create minefields, hindering enemy naval movements. Conversely, some were modified for minesweeping to clear waterways of enemy-laid mines.

Hospital Ships: Certain merchant vessels were converted into hospital ships to provide medical support and transport for wounded personnel.

Patrol and Anti-Submarine Warfare: Merchant ships were armed and used for patrol duties, anti-submarine warfare, and general naval support.

The Royal Navy, like other naval forces during wartime, maintained control over these requisitioned merchant ships for the duration of the conflict. After the wars, many of these vessels were returned to their civilian owners, while others were retained for naval use or decommissioned.

By their nature many Clan Line and Union-Castle vessels were either acquired or chartered by the Admiralty for service in the Royal Navy. Our ships were always well constructed and of sufficient capacity, power and speed to make them attractive to the military.

In many cases the company’s officers and crew were retained to serve in the vessels to maintain an efficient service, this was particularly the case with engine room staff.

Union Line Ships