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Crowds at launch of Mauretania II at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, 1938

Archive reference 38597-7

Large ship just before launch. Thousands of people are watching in the shipyard, on the deck and on the cranes at either side

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Mauretania II at her launch. Launches at Cammell Laird’s during this time drew immense crowds to witness the spectacle of these massive constructions first entering the water. Mauretania’s maiden voyage was from Liverpool to New York in 1939. The vessel served as a troop ship during World War II and continued in service until 1965.

Further information is available on the following information sheets from the Maritime Archives and Library:

This photograph was commissioned by Cunard White Star Ltd.

Share your memories

Do you remember the launch of Mauretania II? If you have any information about this photograph or the Stewart Bale company then we’d like to hear from you. Please contact Anne Gleave, curator of photographic archives on 0151 478 4487 or send Anne Gleave an email.