RMS Empress of Britain Archival Collection

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• Empress of Britain (1906) Canadian Pacific Line History
• Empress of Britain (1931) Canadian Pacific Line History
• Empress of Britain (1955) Canadian Pacific Line History
• Passenger Lists
• Brochures
• Photographs
• Back Cover Images
• Excerpts from Information for Passengers
• Other Ephemera
• Route Maps, Track Charts, Abstract of Logs
• Advertisements
• Sailing Schedules
• Books

 

Empress of Britain (1906) Canadian Pacific Line

Built by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 14,189. Dimensions: 548' x 65' (570' O.I.). Twin-screw, 20 knots. Quadruple expansion engines. Two masts and two funnels. Passengers: 310 first, 350 second, 800 third. Maiden voyage: Liverpool Quebec, May 5, 1906. Note: First "Empress" of the North Atlantic service. Made the Liverpool-Halifax run in 5 days, 18 hours, 18 minutes. World War I Service: Converted to auxiliary cruiser. Post War Service: Resumed regular service in March 1919. Service speed listed as 18 knots. Renamed: Montroyal (1924). Fate: Sold to Norwegian shipbreakers in April 1930. Sister ship: Empress of Ireland.

Empress of Britain (1931) Canadian Pacific Line

Built by John Brown & Co., Clydebank, Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 42,348. Dimensions: 733' x 97' (758' o.l.). Quadruple-screw, 24 knots. Steam turbines. Two masts and three funnels. Top of masts were 208 feet above water line. Funnels measured 27 feet across at widest part and 35 feet fore and aft. Cost $15,000,000 to build. Passengers: 452 first, 260 tourist, 470 third. Laid down: November 28, 1928. Launched, June 11, 1930. Maiden voyage: Southampton- Cherbourg-Quebec, May 27, 1931. Spent much time as a cruise ship. Fate: Disabled by German bombers off the Irish coast, October 26, 1940, and two days later, on the 28th, she was sunk by German submarine "Ü-32" while being towed. The largest Allied liner lost in World War II.

Empress of Britain (1955) Canadian Pacific Line

Built by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 25,516. Dimensions: 600' x 85' (640' o.l.). Twin-screw, 20 knots. Two steam turbines. Single mast and one funnel. Laid down: September 30, 1953. Launched: June 22, 1955. Maiden voyage: Liverpool- Quebec-Montreal, April 19, 1956. Sister ship: Empress of England. Similar to: The new (1961) Empress of Canada.

 

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Passenger Lists

 

 

1908-06-26 Empress Of Britain Passenger List

Sailor in Blue Uniform Plays the Bugle Adorns this Second Cabin Passenger List for the RMS Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line (CPR). The Ship Departed 26 June 1908 from Liverpool to Quebec, Commanded by Captain J. A. Murray.

 

 

1909-04-09 RMS Empress of Britain Passenger List

An Embossed Sailor Playing the Bugle Figure Adorns a Saloon Passenger List for the RMS Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line (CPR). The Ship Departing 9 April 1909, From Liverpool to St. John, NB (Landing Mails at Halifax), Commanded by Captain J. A. Murray.

 

 

1913-04-18 RMS Empress of Britain Passenger List

Second Saloon Passenger List for the RMS Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line (CPR), Departing Friday, 18 April 1913 from St. John, NB to Liverpool, Commanded by Captain Jas. A. Murray.

 

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Brochures

 

 

Empress of Britain World Cruise 1937

The Empress of Britain World Cruise from New York, January 9, 1937. Sailing Eastward for a Complete Circuit of the Globe. 30,000 Miles, 125 Days, 29 Ports, 22 Countries Including Bali. One Management--Ship and Shore. Canadian Pacific -- World's Greatest Travel System.

 

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Photographs

 

Notable Steamers of 1907 - The Canadian Pacific Railway Company's RMS Empress of Britain. Photos Top to Bottom, Left then Right: First Class Café; First Class Smoking Room; Second CLass Dining Saloon; First Class Music Room; First Class Stateroom; and First Class Dining Saloon. GGA Image ID # 141b99c526

 

A Space to Live and a Space to Play on the RMS Empress of Britain. World Cruise 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e7916f2a6

 

Dancing Your Way Around the World on the RMS Empress of Britain. World Cruise 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e7944e00a

 

Sunbathers on the Spacious Sun Deck of the RMS Empress of Britain. World Cruise 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e796b52b1

 

Passengers Enjoy Walking on the Promenade Deck of the RMS Empress of Britain. World Cruise 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e79b9ec8f

 

Cozy Café in a Parlor Adjoining the Tennis Court on the RMS Empress of Britain. World Cruise 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e79cef3eb

 

Relaxing on a Deck Chair, Enjoying a Cup of Bouilion in the Morning With Fellow Passengers on the RMS Empress of Britain. World Cruise 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e79dc5bf7

 

The Salle Jacques Cartier, the Famous Dining Saloon on the RMS Empress of Britain. World Cruise 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e7a08e3a4

 

Collage of Scenes on Board the Empress of Britain. World Cruise 1936. Modern Barber Shop for Gentlemen, Turkish Bath, Frigidarium, a Beautician for Your Permanent Wave, and Ample Space for Deck Golf, Ping Pong, Quoits, and Other Deck Games. GGA Image ID # 1e7a476d46

 

The Empress of Britain Passing By the Famous Chateau Frontenac Hotel, Québec City, PQ. World Cruise 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e7ab5f296

 

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Back Cover Images

 

Back Cover of Second Cabin Passenger List for the RMS Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line (CPR). GGA Image ID # 19f40db81e

 

Back Cover, Empress of Britain World Cruise 1937. GGA Image ID # 1e7d22f198

 

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Excerpts from Information for Passengers

 

Worth Knowing (Information For Passengers)

The line of the Canadian Pacific Railway extends across Canada from St. John, New Brunswick, on the Atlantic Ocean, to the City of Vancouver on the Pacific Ocean, and it is the only transcontinental railway in America whose Passengers are carried without change of, cars from tidewater to tidewater.

It is the only system of railway "from Ocean to Ocean" under one management. Upon the Atlantic, this company operates a fleet of 14 ocean liners to and from Europe, and on the Pacific, a fleet of io steamships between Vancouver and China and Japan and Australia.

The recent great development or the Canadian Pacific System carries it beyond mere local interest to a position commanding the interest and admiration of the whole world. The Canadian Pacific Royal Mail Service, "The Overseas Mail " between London and Yokohama, Japan, and Hong Kong, China, is faster than by way of the Suez Canal.

The voyage from London and across the Western Hemisphere to Vancouver is made inside 11 days; from London to Yokohama. 23 days, and from London to Hong Kong, 29 days. The voyage from Liverpool to St. John, N.B. [the point of debarkation in winter] is 300 miles shorter than from Liverpool to New York. The Company already land Passengers from England to all interior points on the American Continent quicker than is done via New York.

The Natural advantages of the Canadian Route, the excellence of the accommodation provided on the C.P. R. Steamships and Railm ay, under one aggressive management, combine to make the C.P.R. route between Europe and the Orient the most attractive.

Marconi Wireless Telegrams.

Office on Board.

Rates at which messages can be transmitted by Marconi Wireless System, with which !Airship is equipped.

United Kingdom.—The Marconi rate via Crookhaven or other stations in the United Kingdom or through the medium of a passing steamer is sod. per word without minimum every word in address, text, and signature counted; landline charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

Ship To Ship.-8d. per word without minimum; every word in address, text, and signature counted; all fees must be prepaid.

Canada.—The minimum Marconi rate via Quebec, Grosse Isle, Father Point, Clarke City, Fame Point, Heath Point, Whittle Rocks, Point Rich, Point Amour, Belle Isle, Cape Ray, or through the medium of a passing steamer and one of these stations, is 8s. .yd. for ten words. Each extra word, 6d. The minimum rate through the Cape Race station, or through the medium - of a passing steamer and this station, is 1,is. 6d. for ten words; each extra word, 9d. Text only counted; address and signature free; landline charges additional. All charges must be Prepaid.

Any further information can be obtained from the Purser or the Agent of the Marconi Company on board.

Source: RMS Empress of Britain Passenger List - 9 April 1909

 

Information for Second Saloon Passengers Included in the 18 April 1913 Passenger List for the RMS Empress of Britain. GGA Image ID # 158430c467

 

Return Accomodation

It is necessary that passengers who have reserved return accommodations, confirm these reservations at any of the following C.P.R. Offices:

• Royal Liver Building, Pier Head, Liverpool
• 62 and 65 Charing Cross, London, S.W.
• 67 and 68 King William Street, London, E.C.
• 120 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Scotland.
• 41 Victoria Street, Belfast, Ireland,
• 18 St. Augustine's Parade, Bristol, Eng.
• Winchester House, 4 Victoria Square, Coimore Row, Birmingham, Eng.
• Civic BIdgs. 1 Mount St., Manchester, Eng.

as early as possible after reaching England. This is important.

PASSENGERS MAIL. Representative wearing C.P.R. official badge meets all incoming and out-going steamers, and will solicit from passengers any Telegrams for immediate despatch.

A Canadian Pacific Railway Ticket Office on Board

This office is situated on the deck below the Saloon deck, where all in formation regarding railway tickets may he had.

Motor Tours in North Wales

"Special arrangements can be made for use of of Motor Char-a-banc (parties of not exceeding 30), for day tours from Liverpool through Chester and North Wales. For particulars apply to Purser."

 

Information About the Marconi Wireless Services for Passengers Onboard the RMS Empress of Britain in 1913. GGA Image ID # 15843ad37a

Source: RMS Empress of Britain Passenger List - 18 April 1913

 

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Other Ephemera

 

Lights Approaching Liverpool via North of Ireland or via South of Ireland, 1913. GGA Image ID # 1584dce2db

 

Listing of the 23 Lights Approaching Canada, 1913. GGA Image ID # 1585051dda

 

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Route Maps, Track Charts, Abstract of Logs

 

Unused Track Chart Included in the 18 April 1913 Second Saloon Passenger List for the RMS Empress of Britain. GGA Image ID # 1585924ae8

 

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Advertisements

 

Advertisement: Empress of Britain, "Canada's Challenger." Canadian Pacific Five Day Atlantic Giantess. Tonnage 42,500. Speed 24 Knots. Launched by HRH The Prince of Wales, 11 June 1930. Sailings from Québec for 1931: June 6, June 27, July 18, August 5, August 19, September 5, September 26, October 14, and October 31. RMS Duchess of York Passenger List, 28 March 1931. GGA Image ID # 1e7ac17db5

 

Advertisement, The Short St. Lawrence Seaway to Europe and the Mammoth New Empress of Britain. RMS Duchess of York Passenger List, 28 March 1931. GGA Image ID # 1e7ad6442c

 

Empress of Britain 128-Day World Cruise. Four Full Months of the "Supreme Travel Experience." 57 Days Ashore -- 108 Ports and Places Including the Mediteranean, Egypt, the Holy Land, and a Trip to Peiping. RMS Duchess of Atholl Passenger List, 24 September 1937. GGA Image ID # 1e7b26de7a

 

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Sailing Schedules

 

RMS Empress of Britain Sailings, 1913, Liverpool-St. John During the Winter Season and Liverpool-Montréal-Québec (St. Lawrence Route) from May through October. RMS Empress of Britain Passenger List, 18 April 1913. GGA Image ID # 1e7b7b4d58

 

Sailing Schedule, Liverpool-Québec-Montréal, Glasgow-Québec-Montréal, Southampton-Québec-Montréal, Antwerp-Québec-Montréal, Le Havre-Québec-Montréal, Trieste-Québec-Montréal, and Naples-Québec-Montréal, from 6 September 1921 to 3 November 1921. Ships Included the Corsican, Empress of Britain, Empress of France, Melita, Metagama, Minnedosa, Montreal, Pretorian, Scandinavian, and Tunisian. SS Metagama Passenger List, 6 September 1921. GGA Image ID # 1ec0341981

 

Sailing Schedule, Québec and Montréal to Liverpool, Glasgow, Southampton, Hamburg, or Antwerp, from 13 July 1923 to 18 August 1923. Ships Included the Empress of Britain, Empress of France, Empress of Scotland, Marburn, Melita, Metagama, Minnedosa, Montcalm, Montclare, Montlaurier, and Montrose. SS Montcalm Passenger List, 13 July 1923. GGA Image ID # 1ec219e521

 

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Books

 

 

The Fabulous Interiors of the Great Ocean Liners - 1984

Some 200 superb photographs—in long shots and close-ups—capture exquisite interiors of world's great "floating palaces"—1890s to 1980s: Titanic, Île de France, Queen Elizabeth, United States, Europa, more. Informative captions provide key details.

 

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