TSS St David (1931)

Class overview
Name	TSS St David
History
Name	TSS St David
Operator	Great Western Railway
Builder	Cammell Laird
Launched	1931
General characteristics

TSS St David was a passenger ship built in 1931 for the Great Western Railway. The ship was constructed by Cammell Laird at their shipyard in Birkenhead, England.

Design and Construction

TSS St David was designed as a passenger ferry to operate on the routes between Fishguard and Rosslare. The ship was built by the renowned shipbuilding company Cammell Laird, which was known for constructing various types of vessels, including warships and merchant ships.

Service History

Upon her completion in 1931, TSS St David was put into service by the Great Western Railway. She primarily operated on the route between Fishguard in Wales and Rosslare in Ireland. This route was significant for connecting the British mainland with Ireland, facilitating both passenger and freight transport.

World War II Service

During World War II, TSS St David was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and converted into a hospital ship. As a hospital ship, she played a crucial role in transporting wounded soldiers and providing medical care at sea. The ship was marked with the distinctive red cross, indicating her non-combatant status under the Geneva Conventions.

Post-War Service and Decommissioning

After the war, TSS St David was returned to the Great Western Railway and resumed her peacetime operations. She continued to serve on the Fishguard-Rosslare route until she was eventually decommissioned. The exact date of her decommissioning and subsequent fate remains unclear.

Legacy

TSS St David is remembered for her dual role as a passenger ferry and a hospital ship during a critical period in history. Her service during World War II highlights the versatility and importance of such vessels in both civilian and military contexts.

See Also

• Great Western Railway
• Cammell Laird
• Fishguard
• Rosslare Europort
• Hospital ship
• World War II