liner ARAMIS

Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes, 1932 - 1942

History

Last of the trio of large steamers of construction scheduled after the war for the line of Far East (FELIX ROUSSEL, GEORGES PHIPPAR, ARAMIS). First departure from Marseille on october 21, 1932. June 22, 1932 strands on the coast of China and is towed by cruiser PRIMAUGUET to Japan for repairs. In 1935 the engines are turbocharged : power 15600 cv and speed 19 N, ship painted in white. Put into service on April 20, 1936. September 4, 1939 is sent to the naval dockyard in Saigon to be transformed into auxiliary cruiser under the name of X1. January 20, 1940 gets under way for tests and passage in the drydock in Hong Kong. The 1st March patrols between Hong Kong and Singapore. She Seized on roads of Hong Kong the Russian ship SELENGA, tows her from March 22 to April 2 up to the Cape Saint Jacques. She will be redelivered after the armistice. From April 17 at May 5 patrols in the straits of La Sonde then from May 8 to the 1st June in Gulf of Siam and in the sea of China. Returned to Saigon to be laid up the 1st August and the personnel demilitarized on November 30. 10 April 1942 requisitioned by the Japanese in Saigon who take possession of her on June 2 and renamed TEIA MARU. Carries out a voyage Japan-Lourenço Marquès at the time of an exchange of diplomats between Japan and the United States, then serves like transport of troops. Torpedoed and sunk on August 18, 1944 by the American submarine RASHER by 18°18' North and 120°13' East at the western northern point of the island of Luzon in the Philippines.