SS Ausonia Collection

 

Ausonia (1909) Cunard Line

Sailed for the Cunard Line 1911 to 1918.

Built by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Ltd., Wallsend-on-Tyne, England. Tonnage: 8,153. Dimensions: 450' X 54'. Single-screw, 13 knots. Triple expansion engines. Four masts and one funnel. Maiden voyage: London- Southampton-Quebec-Montreal, May 16, 1911. Fate: Torpedoed and sunk 620 miles from the Fastnet, May 30, 1918, with the loss of 44 lives. Previous Names: Ex-Tortona (1911)

Ausonia (1921) Cunard Line

Built by Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., Newcastle, England. Tonnage: 13,912. Dimensions: 520' x 65' (538' o.l.). Twin-screw, 15 knots. Steam turbines. Two masts and one funnel. Maiden voyage: Liverpool-Quebec-Montreal June 22, 1922. London-Southampton-Quebec-Montreal service during 1923-39. WW2 Service: Sold to British Admiralty in 1939 and converted to armed merchant cruiser and later as a heavy repair ship as H.M.S. Ausonia. Recomissioned 1958 as repair ship for the Mediterranean Fleet. Fate: Sold for Scrap in September 1965. Sister ships: Andania and Antonia. Similar to: Ascania, Alaunia and Aurania.

Ephemera for the SS Ausonia are available at the GG Archives, including Passenger Lists, Menus, Brochures, Event Programs, and more.

 

Passenger Lists

 

 

1925-08-15 RMS Ausonia Passenger List

Tourist Passenger List from the RMS Ausonia of the Cunard Line, Departing Saturday, 15 August 1925 from Southampton to Quebec and Montreal via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain G. Gibbons, RD, RNR.

 

 

1930-09-20 RMS Ausonia Passenger List

Cabin Class Passenger List from the RMS Ausonia of the Cunard Line, Departing Saturday, 20 September 1930 from Southampton to Quebec and Montreal via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain P. A. Murchie, RD, RNR.

 

 

1932-06-04 RMS Ausonia Passenger List

Cabin and Tourist Class Passenger List from the RMS Ausonia of the Cunard Line, Departing Saturday, 4 June 1932 from Southampton to Quebec and Montreal via Le Havre, Commanded by Captain L. R. Carr, RD, RNR. Récapitulation: 38 Cabin Class, 38 Tourist Class, 65 Third Class, 141 Total Passengers, 243 Crew Members, and 384 Souls on Board.

 

 

1937-08-07 RMS Ausonia Passenger List

Cabin Class Passenger List from the RMS Ausonia of the Cunard Line, Departing 7 August 1937 from Southampton to Montreal and Quebec via Le Havre, Commanded by Captain W. C. Battle, DSC, RD, RNR.

 

 

1938-10-15 RMS Ausonia Passenger List

Cabin and Tourist Class Passenger List from the RMS Ausonia of the Cunard Line, Departing 15 October 1938 from Southampton to Montreal and Quebec via Le Havre, Commanded by Captain C. H. Bate, RD, RNR.

 

Brochures

 

 

Cunard Tourist Third Cabin Accommodations - 1920s

Tourist Third Cabin replaced the old Third Class on the Cunard Steamships, the refinished accommodations attracted students, professors, young business people, and bargain-hunters filling the cabins left mostly empty from the decline of the immigrant trade. This is a photo journal of the accommodations found in the new Tourist Third Cabin class. Ships Featured: Andania, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Caronia and Carmania, Laconia, Samaria, Scythia, Tuscania, and Lancastria.

 

Sailing Schedules

 

Cunard Canadian Service. Southampton to Quebec and Montreal Sailing Schedule from 11 July 1911 to 15 February 1912. Ships Include the Ascania, Albania, and Ausonia. GGA Image ID # 1db7311adf

 

Cunard Canadian Service Sailing Schedule from 16 May 1912 to 23 November 1912. Ships Include the Ascania, Ausonia, and Ultonia. The steamers are fine modern twin-screw vessels especially adapted in size and equipment to the service. The fares charged are the lowest of any line of steamers sailing from England to Canada. Second Cabin and Third Class passengers are only carried, which means that the accommodation set aside on board for both these classes is more commodious and spacious than would otherwise be the case. The Second Cabin accommodation is situated in the center of the ship, and the Third Class comprises small closed rooms. On the "Ascania" and "Ausonia," there are two separate dining rooms for Third Class passengers on each vessel. Experienced stewardesses look after the requirements of the women and children. Passengers resident in London or in places so situated that they have to pass through London to reach Southampton are provided with Free Conveyance (Third Class) from London to Southampton. GGA Image ID # 1dbc6cc8fc

 

Cunard Canadian Service from 26 August 1913 to 24 January 1914. Ships Included the Alaunia, Andania, Ascania, and Ausonia. RMS Carmania Passenger List, 23 September 1913. GGA Image ID # 1dcaed5b2e

 

Proposed Sailings, Liverpool-Quebec-Montreal, Liverpool-Halifax, Southampton-Quebec-Montreal, and Southampton-Halifax, from 17 April 1925 to 12 September 1925. Ships included the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Lancastria, and Letitia. RMS Andania Passenger List, 6 May 1925. GGA Image ID # 1e1063298c

 

Cunard Line Canadian Service, Liverpool-Canadian Ports, or Southampton to Canadian Ports, from 7 August 1925 to 28 January 1926. Ships Included the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Laconia, and Letitia. RMS Alaunia Passenger List, 21 August 1925. GGA Image ID # 1dff527901

 

Proposed Sailings, Cunard Line, Southampton-Cherbourg-New York, from 13 August 1925 to 3 February 1926. Ships Included the Albania, Andania, Aquitania, Ascania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Caronia, Lancastria, and Mauretania. RMS Alaunia Passenger List, 21 August 1925. GGA Image ID # 1dfef4697b

 

Proposed Sailings, Cunard Line, London-New York and Hamburg-New York (Joint Service Between American Line, Cunard, and White Star Line). from 19 August 1925 to 13 March 1926. Ships Included the Albania, Andania, Antonia, Arabic, Ascania, Ausonia, Caronia, and Lancastria. RMS Alaunia Passenger List, 21 August 1925. GGA Image ID # 1dff49d2fd

 

Sailing Schedule, London-Southampton-New York, from 17 November 1927 to 12 May 1928. Ships Included the Alaunia, Antonia, Ascania, Ausonia, Carmania, Lancastria, and Tuscania. RMS Aquitania Passenger List, 26 November 1927. GGA Image ID # 1e1136df31

 

Sailing Schedule, Liverpool-Canadian Ports, from 11 November 1927 to 9 April 1928. Ships Included the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Ascania, Athenia, Ausonia, Carmania, Lancastria, Letitia, Samaria, Scythia, and Tuscania. RMS Aquitania Passenger List, 26 November 1927. GGA Image ID # 1e11e04456

 

Westbound Sailings of the White Star Line from 6 October 1934 to 2 February 1935. Ships Included the Alaunia, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Carinthia, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Lancastria, Laurentic, Letitia, Majestic, Olympic, Samaria, Scythia, and Transylvania. The Schedule Includes Originating, Calling, and Destination Ports for Each Voyage. RMS Britannic Passenger List, 6 October 1934. GGA Image ID # 1e3159e0ee

 

Eastbound Sailings of the White Star Line from 6 October 1934 to 14 February 1935. Ships Included the Alaunia, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Carinthia, Doric, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Lancastria, Laurentic, Letitia, Majestic, Olympic, Samaria, Scythia, and Transylvania. The Schedule Includes Originating, Calling, and Destination Ports for Each Voyage. RMS Britannic Passenger List, 6 October 1934. GGA Image ID # 1e3178f51a

 

Cunard White Star Westbound Sailing Schedule for September to November 1937. Ships Include the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Letitia, Queen Mary, Samaria, and Scythia. GGA Image ID # 1db7e0cf97

 

Cunard White Star Eastbound Sailing Schedule for September to November 1937. Ships Include the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Letitia, Queen Mary, Samaria, and Scythia. GGA Image ID # 1db80746e8

 

Westbound Sailing Schedule from 7 June 1939 to 16 August 1939. Ships Included the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Ascania, Athenia, Aquitania, Aurania, Ausonia, Britannic, Carinthia, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Letitia, Mauretania, Queen Mary, Samaria, and Scythia. RMS Aquitania Passenger List, 7 June 1939. GGA Image ID # 1e141a92c5

 

Eastbound Sailing Schedule from 7 June 1939 to 16 August 1939. Ships Included the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Britannic, Carinthia, Georgic, Laconia, Letitia, Mauretania, Queen Mary, Samaria, and Scythia. RMS Aquitania Passenger List, 7 June 1939. GGA Image ID # 1e1424c50b

 

Other Ephemera

 

Cunard Line Atlantic Services and Fleet List with Tonnage and Assigned Commanders, 1912. Ships Include the Mauretania, Lusitania, Campania, Carmania, Caronia, Franconia, Laconia, Ivernia, Saxonia, Carpathia, Pannonia, Ultonia, Ascania, Ausonia, and Albania. RMS Caronia Passenger List, 30 March 1912. GGA Image ID # 1dc9ece700

 

Form 25/721 Customs Notice to Passengers from the Department of National Revenue, Canada Customs Division - 4 June 1932. GGA Image ID # 130dc29d88

 

Excerpts from Information for Passengers

 

BAGGAGE. Questions relating to Baggage should be referred to the Purser or ship's Baggage Master.

Canadian Customs. Residents of Canada returning from abroad are allowed exemption from Customs Duty for goods valued at not more than $100 if included in the baggage accompanying them and acquired by them for personal or household use as souvenirs or gifts, but not bought for the account of other persons, or for sale.

Alcoholic beverages up to one quart, two pounds of manufactured tobacco, fifty cigars and two hundred cigarettes may be included in the $ 100 exemption allowance, provided they are brought in with the passenger’s baggage. The exemption will not be granted to persons under 14 years of age.

Where the value of the goods upon which exemption is to be claimed exceeds $5 Declaration Form E. 24, which will be supplied by the Purser, must be completed, in duplicate, by each returning Canadian citizen enumerating all such articles and all values should be shown in Canadian Currency. The Declaration Form must be completed prior to the arrival of the ship at Quebec or Montreal and handed to the Officer at time of Customs inspection.

U.S. Customs. All passengers in continuous transit to U.S. are required to make a declaration of personal baggage for the U.S. Customs Authorities at the port of landing. Blank declaration forms are obtainable from the Purser.

Returning Residents must declare all articles acquired abroad but wearing apparel and personal effects taken overseas from the U.S. in the first case are entitled to be passed free of duty upon return. An exemption of $100.00 worth of purchases is allowed each returning resident, subject to certain conditions which will be detailed by the Customs Officer.

Visitors may take in free of duty wearing apparel and personal effects not intended for sale, but must declare all articles not included in this category. Severe penalties are imposed upon persons who make false declarations as to value, ownership or use of articles or who attempt to bribe or recompense a Customs Officer.

Customs Examination. All articles liable to Customs duty must be declared. Any passenger who is in doubt should see the Purser or Baggage Master who will provide the latest information available.

On arrival baggage will be grouped alphabetically in Customs shed for examination. To help the passing and claiming of baggage passengers should have one of the Company’s labels, bearing the initial letter of their surname, affixed to each piece. The bedroom stewards have a supply of these labels and will affix them prior to landing.

It is for passengers themselves to see that all their baggage is passed by the Customs authorities on landing, and they are specially requested to claim their baggage before leaving the Customs shed, otherwise delay and extra charges for carriage will be incurred in forwarding to destination any baggage not accompanying passengers directly from the ship.

Baggage in Bond. Passengers en route to destinations outside Canada or the U.S.A. may have their checked baggage forwarded “In Bond” to a frontier point under Customs Manifest without examination of the contents by a Customs Officer at port of disembarkation. The Purser or Baggage Master will be pleased to supply information.

Baggage Insurance. Passengers are recommended to insure their baggage as the Company's liability is strictly limited in accordance with the terms of the passage contract. Baggage Insurance carrying worldwide cover can be arranged through the Purser’s office.

BARBER AND HAIRDRESSER. The ship carries a well-equipped Barber’s Shop and competent Hairdresser.

CATERING. Passengers are invited to advise the Head Waiter of their preference in the matter of diet and cooking and they can be assured of every attention to their wishes. Cooks of various nationalities are included in the kitchen personnel. It is suggested that passengers order their meals in advance, and the aforementioned official will readily assist passengers in making their choice.

DECK CHAIRS, CUSHIONS AND RUGS are available for hire and can be obtained through the Deck Steward at the price of 5/- each article. (Each rug is contained in a sealed envelope and bears a serial number worked into the material, thus enabling passengers to identify their own rugs).

EXCHANGE OF MONEY. For the convenience of passengers the Purser is able to exchange a limited amount of English, French, U.S. and Canadian money at rates which will be advised on application.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS. Passengers are specially requested to exercise care in disposing of cigar and cigarette ends and matches and to make use of the receptacles provided for the purpose in the different parts of the ship, in view of the serious consequences which can arise from carelessness in this respect. Throwing lighted cigarettes, etc. overboard should also be avoided.

FIRE AND LIFEBOAT STATIONS. Passengers are earnestly requested to acquaint themselves with the notice in the staterooms regarding lifeboat and fire stations.

The Captain specially appeals to passengers to assist him by promptly mustering at their appointed stations at all times when passenger boat station muster is being held.

Only by immediate attendance at this important muster can passengers obtain the necessary instructions which are so vital to the well-being of all on board. The cooperation of every passenger is earnestly desired.

IMPORTATION OF LIQUOR. A considerable quantity of liquor imported in the baggage of passengers is purchased “in bond” at a price below the regular market value in the country of purchase and for that reason attention is called to the fact by the Collector, U.S. Customs Service, that the above market value must be ascertained and declared by the passenger instead of the price actually paid.

LANDING ARRANGEMENTS. The Purser will furnish passengers with a small card, detailing the landing arrangements, before arrival.

LIBRARY. The ship has a fully-equipped library and passengers are invited to borrow the volumes—no charge will be made.

PASSAGE TICKETS. Passengers are requested to hand their passage tickets to their bedroom stewards as soon as possible after embarkation.

PROFESSIONAL GAMBLERS are reported as frequently travelling in Atlantic ships and passengers are warned to take precautions accordingly.

RADIO RECEIVERS AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS. Private radio receivers or other electrical apparatus must not be operated or connected to the ship’s electrical supply circuits without official approval, applications for which should be made to the Purser. Passengers using loud-speakers are requested to avoid disturbing their fellow passengers.

THE SURGEON is authorized to make customary charges for his services, subject to the approval of the Captain.

A REGISTERED NURSE is on board, whose services are available as necessary under the direction of the ship’s Surgeon.

VALUABLES. In their own interests passengers are advised not to leave articles of jewelry and other valuables lying about. Articles not required for frequent wear may be deposited with the Purser and will be placed in an envelope sealed in the presence of the passenger for custody in the ship’s safe. A receipt will be given but no liability as to contents can be accepted.

RMS Ausonia Passenger List -- 7 August 1937

AUTOMOBILES. In order to facilitate Customs clearance uncrated automobiles destined to the United States must be included on the U.S. Declaration Form.

ROTARIANS travelling by this ship are invited to inspect the Rotary Register at the Purser’s office and subscribe their names. The Purser will be glad, providing circumstances permit, to arrange an informal meeting during the voyage.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR ROUND TRIP PASSENGERS. All passengers holding return tickets are requested to communicate with the most convenient Company’s office, if possible at least a week in advance of their intended sailing from Canada or the United States, so that the necessary formalities may be arranged in connection with their passage.

RMS Ausonia Passenger List -- 15 October 1938

 

Photographs and Illustrations

 

Tourist Third Cabin Lounge on the Ausonia. GGA Image ID # 11949614d7

 

Painting of the Cunard Line RMS Ausonia - 15 October 1938. GGA Image ID # 17293378fa