RMS Homeric

In 1913 HAPAG completed liners of enormous size (Imperator, Vaterland, Bismarck) to compete with Cunard and White Star, North German Lloyd began to complete modern vessels, not as fast or as large, but economical to run and designed to be very luxurious and the most stable at sea. NDL would offer the most comfortable crossings. Two ships were laid down in Danzig, the Columbus  and Hindenberg.  Construction was well advanced but halted because of the war.  Both vessels remained in the yards for the duration of the war. 

 The launching of Columbus (Norddeutscher Lloyd) at Schichau shipyard, Danzig.  December 17, 1913.
Photographer unknown, Weltrundschau zu Reclams Universum 1913.

At war’s end, the Columbus was nearer completion than her sister and was seized by the allies as reparations (with many other German vessels).  The completed vessel was handed over to White Star Line in 1922 and renamed Homeric.  The new owners made many alterations to the vessel and make her appeal more to British tastes.  She was one of the most “plush” vessels of her day and the largest ship built in the world with twin screws (in an era when all of the express liners had three or four).

First class gallery (long corridor).

Homeric made her maiden voyage in February, 1924. She was one of White Star’s “Big Three” of the 1920s alongside Olympic and Majestic. She was a fitting match for her fleet mates in terms of luxury, but not speed.  Her 18 knot service speed (increased to 19 with oil conversion in 1923) rendered her unable to keep pace with the faster vessels. 

Diorama scene. 1:1250  Homeric model by Carlo Marquart (CM) and 1:1200 Aquitania model and harbor accessories by Tri-ang Minic.

However, travelers appreciated the stability of the vessel and she quickly gained a following. The stability was due to fine hull design and able seamanship of the crew.  There were no anti-roll tanks, gyro-stabilizers, or anything of the kind.

White Star Line postcard, ca. 1924.

Yet, White Star could not maintain a reliable weekly schedule with such a slow vessel.  In 1930, she was replaced on the transatlantic route by Britannic and Georgic, smaller vessels with faster service speeds.  Homeric became White Star’s full-time cruise ship.

 

Homeric in port.  Note the cargo booms alongside the foremast.

Unfortunately, she was one of the hardest hit by the Depression.  When Cunard and White Star merged in May 1934, Homeric continued with cruise services.  Laid up in September 1935, had sold for scrap in February, 1936.

Homeric  and Aquitania quayside.  Aquitania is raising steam for departure.

Meanwhile, the Hindenberg remained with her German owners.  Work progressed slowly and the completed ship was re-named Columbus in 1924.  Her machinery was reconfigured to steam turbines, rather than reciprocating engines as installed in the former sister ship.  In 1929 her funnels were redesigned to match those of Bremen and Europa.  She was converted to oil fuel as well (rather late compared to other liners of the day which were converted earlier in the decade).  She re-entered service in 1930 and made an around the world cruise. She was intercepted by a British cruiser in December, 1939 and scuttled by her crew to avoid capture. 

RMS Homeric (ex-Columbus) built by Schichau Shipyards, Danzig, Germany, 1913-1922.  Sailed for White Star Line, 1922-1935.  34,351 GRT, 774 feet long, 82 feet wide.  Steam triple-expansion engines geared to twin screw.  Service speed 19 knots.  2,766 total passengers (529 first class, 487 second class, 1,750 third class).  Later changed to a total of 1,678 passengers in the 1930s, most of them in second, now “cabin” class.