On 30 August 1939 she was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to an armed merchant cruiser. Conversion was completed on 22 October 1939.

Displacement: 15007 BRT

Armament: 7x 152mm, 2x 76mm

Speed: 17 knots

Career:

October 39 - April 40: South Atlantic Station

May 40 - November 41: Freetown Escort Force

December 41 - May 42: South Atlantic Station

On 27 July 1942 returned and used as troopship by the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT). In March 1948 returned to owner.