RMS Moldavia

RMS Moldavia was a British passenger steamship of the early 20th century. She was a vessel of the P&O line, launched in the year 1903. The ship was primarily used for passenger service between the United Kingdom and India, and later served as an armed merchant cruiser and troopship during World War I.

Design and Construction

The RMS Moldavia was built by Harland and Wolff, a renowned shipbuilding company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The ship was designed to accommodate first, second, and third-class passengers, with a focus on comfort and luxury. The ship was powered by quadruple expansion steam engines, which were considered state-of-the-art at the time of her construction.

Service History

The RMS Moldavia began her maiden voyage on 3rd December 1903, sailing from London to Bombay (now Mumbai). She continued to serve on this route for the next decade, transporting passengers and cargo between the UK and India.

During World War I, the Moldavia was requisitioned by the British Admiralty and converted into an armed merchant cruiser. In this role, she was equipped with armaments and used to protect merchant shipping from enemy attacks. Later in the war, she was converted again into a troopship, transporting soldiers to various theatres of war.

Sinking

On 23rd May 1918, while transporting American troops to Europe, the RMS Moldavia was torpedoed by the German submarine UB-57. The ship sank off the coast of Sussex, resulting in the loss of 56 lives. The wreck of the Moldavia is now a popular site for divers, lying at a depth of approximately 50 meters.

Legacy

The RMS Moldavia is remembered for her service during World War I and for the tragic loss of life that occurred when she was sunk. The ship's story is a testament to the dangers faced by merchant vessels during times of war.

See Also

• List of shipwrecks in May 1918
• P&O (Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company)
• Harland and Wolff