The First RMS Laconia

While on the subject of RMS Laconias, I might as well talk about the first one.

It was 18,099 tons, 600 feet long and could cruise at 17 knots. Launched 1911 and began service 1912. At outbreak of World War I in 1914 turned into an armd merchant vessel, like the 2nd and patrolled the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean.

Returned to Cunard in 1916.

In 1917, torpedoed twice by the U-50 while returningfrom the US with 75 passengers and 217 crew. The first torpedo didn't sink her, but the second one, 20 minutes later did. It took 40 minutes to sink with a loss of 12.

I Guess It's Not a Good Idea to Make a Ship Named Laconia an Armed Merchant Ship and Sail Out Where the U-Boats Are. --Old Coot