BALMORAL CASTLE (2) was built in 1910 by Fairfield Ship Building & Engineering Co. at Glasgow with a tonnage of 13361grt, a length of 570ft, a beam of 64ft 6in and a service speed of 14 knots.
Sister of the Edinburgh Castle (2) she was based on the Walmer Castle but without a break in the after superstructure.
When she made her maiden mail voyage in February 1910 she completed the run in 16.5 days.
When she came into service in 1910 she was the first ship of the Union-Castle Line to be fitted with Marconi wireless telegraphy.
In October of the same year, acting as a royal yacht, HMS Balmoral Castle, with a white hull and yellow funnels, she carried the Duke and Duchess of Connaught to South Africa for the opening of Parliament.
She was requisitioned as a troopship on the northbound voyages in 1914 but continued to maintain the mail service.
Between March and May 1915 she trooped to Gallipoli landing them on 23rd April.
Following the Armistice in 1918 she repatriated US and Australian troops.
In 1919 she made to voyages between Liverpool and New York for Cunard before returning to service with Union-Castle.
She was broken up at Newport, Monmouthshire in June 1939.
Balmoral Castle
Artist - Unknown
In August 1914 she became a troopship and took part in the famous six ship Union-Castle convoy which brought 4000 troops to Europe.
The 1st Class Dining Saloon
The 1st Class Smoker’s Lounge
The 2nd Class Dining Saloon
The 3rd Class Dining Saloon
Front View of Both Engines
Balmoral Castle in her Dazzle Paint
Balmoral Castle
From Merchant Ships of The World in Colour 1910 - 1929
Artist - Lawrence Dunn
At the beginning of the First World War she remained on the mail service but carried troops northbound to Europe.
During March through to May 1915 she carried troops to the landings at Gallipoli
13 April 1918 as part of Convoy 39, departed Sydney with 7 AIF personnel and 73 Munitions workers. Had also embarked Medical Corps General Reinforcements and One Chaplain
2nd May 1918 departed NZ (Auckland or Wellington) with 437 military personnel
Likely convoy 39 commenced as a fleet at Albany Western Australia 8th May 1918
Engineering Magazine - April 1910
Service in WW1
Balmore Castle - Art Gallery
Balmoral Castle Enters Service - 1910
From The Natal Province Official Handbook
Requisitioned as Royal Yacht - 1910
In October of 1910, acting as a royal yacht, HMS Balmoral Castle, with a white hull and yellow funnels.
She carried the Duke and Duchess of Connaught to South Africa for the opening of Parliament.
Farewell Balmore Castle - 1939
She was broken up at Newport, Monmouthshire in June 1939.
