liner ATHOS II

Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes, 1927 - 1959

History

Steamer built in the shipyards A.G. Weser by virtue of repairs taken over on February 2, 1927 by Services Contractuels des Messageries Maritimes. Assigned to the line of Far East, first departure on March 25, 1927 from Marseille. In 1929 is used as framework for Roland Dorgelès' novel "Partir". In 1936 to face the competition of Germans and Italians is equipped with a Velox boiler to replace the 7th boiler conveying the steam in 2 additional high pressures turbines to high pressure, the speed amounts to 18,5 N and modification of the accomodations (84 passengers in 1st, 108 in 2nd, 112 in 3rd and 526 ration card holders), hull painted in white. Remains on the line of Far East until June 1940. In July takes part in the repatriation from Alexandria of Force X blocked by the British and of the crews of the merchant vessels seized in Suez Canal. Sent as guardship to Algiers, then after the anglo-american landing in North Africa is sent to Casablanca, then in Dakar to bring back troops. Chartered by the American War Shipping Administration on March 8, 1943 to Casablanca, is sent to New York for transformation into transport of troops (3056 men). First travel on Belfast and Gourock (Scotland) from December 5, 1943 to the 1st January 1944. Second voyage with many damages in the turbines from New York on January 19 to embark 3000 Flying Tigers for Bora Bora Fremantle, Bombay and returns to New-York on the 1st of July. Following voyages towards United Kingdom and Italy. Redelivered in January 1946 to the French government, carries the French crews to the United States to take over the liberty-ships given to France. November 1949, reconditioned for four months in Marseille. Put into service on 10 February 1950 and used for the transport of troops on Indo-China, Korea, and pilgrims from Casablanca to Djeddah (June 1950, June 1953, July 1956). October 31, 1956 leaves Marseille with 2334 men bound for Port Said and brought back following the stop of the operations. Then assigned to the transport of troops on North Africa (240 000 men between May 1957 and April 1958). On her last return to Marseille receives the military honours. Withdrawn from service on October 8, 1958, returned to the Merchant Navy and demolished in La Spezia in 1959.