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Clan Line

Summary

The Clan Line was a passenger and cargo shipping company that operated in one incarnation or another from the late nineteenth century and into the twentieth century.

Clan Line
FormerlyC. W. Cayzer & Company
IndustryPassenger and cargo shipping
Founded1877 (1877) in Liverpool, England
FounderCharles Cayzer
Defunct1987
Headquarters
Glasgow
,
Scotland
Area served
Global
Key people
Captain William Irvine,

History edit

Foundation and early years edit

The company that would become the Clan Line was first founded as C. W. Cayzer & Company in Liverpool in 1877 by Charles Cayzer (see Cayzer baronets). It was set up to operate passenger routes between Britain and Bombay, India via the Suez Canal. The next year, Captain William Irvine joined the company and it was renamed Cayzer, Irvine & Company.

In 1881 the company was joined by an influential Glasgow businessman and his firm of Thomas Dunlop & Sons, and the Clan Line Association of Steamers was established. The company opened a new head office at 109 Hope Street, Glasgow. Cayzer, Irvine built and managed ships for the association and Cayzer himself retained ownership of the original six Clan ships. At the same time, they expanded their operations to South Africa. In 1890 the company became The Clan Line of Steamers Limited with Cayzer holding the majority interest. The company again expanded its operations with the purchase of the Persian Gulf Steam Ship Company in 1894, bringing four more ships into the company. They used these new assets to expand their routes into the Persian Gulf and to North America, and to begin to carry cargo.

The company was incorporated in 1907 as Cayzer, Irvine & Company, Limited, with the Cayzer family retaining control. Charles Cayzer died in 1916, with his sons continuing to run the company. In 1918 they acquired and incorporated the assets of the Scottish Shire Line. Despite suffering losses in the First World War, the company had recovered by the 1930s to become the largest cargo carrying concern in the world.

The Clan Line at war and after edit

Clan Line saw a large number of its ships either requisitioned by the British government, or otherwise used to ship vital supplies to Britain during the First and Second World Wars. Their ubiquitousness led to them being called the 'Scots Navy' (due to their officers' sleeve rings being identical to those of the Royal Navy) and they were often in dangerous environments, at risk from mines, air attacks or German U-boats.

During the Second World War, for example, three of the Line's Cameron class steamers were requisitioned in 1942 by the Royal Navy whilst still under construction at Greenock Dockyard and commissioned as HMS Athene (aircraft transporter), HMS Engadine (aircraft transporter) and HMS Bonaventure (submarine depot ship for X-craft). The Clan Line lost a total of 30 ships in the 1939-45 war.

After the end of the war, the Clan Line commissioned six vessels of the Clan MacLaren class (commonly known as the MacL's) to replace war losses and resume a level of pre-war services. Construction started in 1946 and all six had entered service by 1949. Meanwhile, the immediate shortage was alleviated by the acquisition of a number of wartime standard construction ships, such as the American Liberty ships. Most of these would continue to serve with the Clan Line fleet until 1962, by which time the first vessels of the Clan MacIver class were entering service. Meanwhile, management attempted to further alleviate the shortfall with the purchase of the Thompson Steam Shipping Co. in 1952 and the conversion to motor ships throughout the 1950s.

Post war restructuring edit

In 1956, under the impetus of Nicholas Cayzer the Clan Line joined with the Union-Castle Line, King Line and Bullard King & Company to form British & Commonwealth Shipping Limited. A number of transfers then took place between the component companies. They formed the Springbok Shipping Company in 1959 to take over the operations of their South African services, and several of the Clan Lines' ships were transferred to it. In 1961 the Springbok Shipping Company became part of Safmarine.

Decline edit

In the 1970s, British and Commonwealth began to diversify into financial services as passenger shipping declined and cargo shipping evolved into container shipping. By the mid-1980s, the business had evolved into one of the country's largest financial services companies. The Clan Line, now a subsidiary of British & Commonwealth, ceased trading in 1981 with the final voyage made by MV Clan Macgregor. By 1986 British & Commonwealth had disposed of their last ship.

With the move from the third to the fourth generation of the Cayzer family, the family shareholders were becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the reduction in control over British and Commonwealth, caused by its expansion using shares as currency. In 1987 they decided to sell their stake in British and Commonwealth and to concentrate their collective investment in Caledonia Investments, whose function until that time had primarily been as a holding company. This was a timely decision: the sale took place just prior to the Black Monday stock market crash and, two years later, British and Commonwealth went into receivership.

Shipping edit

The ships of the Clan Line were usually distinguishable by their names, the vast majority of which had the prefix 'Clan'. Their funnel markings were black with two red bands divided by narrow black band, and they flew the house flag, which was a rectangular red flag bearing a white diamond with a red rampant lion in the centre.

Ships of the Clan Line edit

Ship Built GRT Notes
SS Argyllshire 1956 9,299 1960 transferred to Scottish Shire Line.
1975 sold to Gulf East Marine Ltd and renamed Schivago
1977 scrapped at Gadani Beach, Pakistan.[1]
SS Ayrshire 1956 9,360 1960 transferred to Scottish Shire Line.
1965 wrecked off Socotra.[2]
SS Clan Allen 1942 7,043 ex-Empire Forest

1946 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Allen
1958 transferred to Bullard King & Co., renamed Umtali
1959 reverted to Clan Allen
1961 sold to Hong Kong, renamed Ardsirod

SS Clan Alpine 1878 2,112 1899 sold to Dene Steam Shipping Co, Newcastle, renamed Elmdene
SS Clan Alpine 1899 3,587 1917 torpedoed and sunk off Shetland Islands by U-60, with the loss of 8 lives[3]
SS Clan Alpine 1918 5,485 13 March 1943 sunk by escort ship HMS Scarborough after being torpedoed by German submarine U-107 off Cape Finisterre; loss of 28 lives[4]
SS Clan Alpine 1942 7,103 ex-Empire Barrie

1945 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Alpine
1957 transferred to Bullard King & Co., renamed Umvoti
1959 reverted to Clan Alpine, 1960 scrapped

MV Clan Alpine 1967 8,713 1981 sold to Liberia, renamed African Diamond
SS Clan Angus 1942 7,030 ex-Empire Prince

1945 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Angus
1956 transferred to Bullard King & Co., renamed Umkuzi
1959 reverted to Clan Angus
1962 scrapped

SS Clan Brodie 1940 7,473 Completed for Admiralty as HMS Athene

1946 returned to Clan Line, renamed Clan Brodie
1963 scrapped

SS Clan Buchanan 1882 2,968 1904 sold to Bombay owners, renamed Shah Allum
SS Clan Buchanan 1907 5,212 1933 scrapped
SS Clan Buchanan 1937 7,266 1941 sunk by German raider Pinguin off the Maldives after the crew had been taken prisoner, with the loss of 91 lives. 10 days later when HMS Cornwall intercepted and sank Pinguin, 107 Clan Buchanan crew members were killed.
SS Clan Buchanan 1941 9,909 Completed for Admiralty as HMS Engadine

1946 returned to Clan Line, renamed Clan Buchanan
1962 scrapped

SS Clan Cameron 1882 2,448 1900 sold to Trinidad Shipping & Trading Co, Glasgow, renamed Maraval
SS Clan Cameron 1900 3,595 1917 torpedoed and sunk by UB-58 off Portland Bill; no loss of life[5]
SS Clan Cameron 1937 7,243 1959 scrapped
SS Clan Campbell 1882 2,434 22 September 1882 She ran aground and was wrecked at Baie du Cap, Mauritius
SS Clan Campbell 1894 2,615 1914 sold to AdelaideSS Co., renamed Camira
SS Clan Campbell 1914 5,988 1916 torpedoed, shelled and sunk off Tunisia[6]
SS Clan Campbell 1937 7,255 23 March 1942 bombed by Italian naval aircraft and sunk off Malta, with the loss of 7 lives
SS Clan Campbell 1943 9,545 1961 transferred to King Line and scrapped
SS Clan Chattan 1902 3,938 1930 scrapped
SS Clan Chattan 1937 7,262 14 February 1942 bombed and caught fire while part of convoy MW 9A. She was eventually sunk by Convoy Escort off Crete. All 358 crew were saved.
SS Clan Chattan 1943 9,585 1962 transferred to King Line and scrapped
SS Clan Chisholm 1896 2,647 1925 sold to Japan, renamed Fukko Maru
SS Clan Chisholm 1937 7,256 17 October 1939 torpedoed and sunk by U-48 off Cape Finisterre, with the loss of 4 lives[7]
SS Clan Chisholm 1944 9,581 1962 transferred to King Line and scrapped
SS Clan Colquhoun 1899 5,856 1925 sold to Italy, renamed Nasco
SS Clan Colquhoun 1918 7,912 ex-Gallic

1933 purchased from White Star Line, renamed Clan Colquhoun
1947 sold to Panama, renamed Ioannis Livanos

SS Clan Cumming 1899 4,808 1917 torpedoed and damaged by UB-55 20 nautical miles (37 km) SW of Lizard Point[8]

1925 sold to Italy, renamed Ettore

SS Clan Cumming 1937 7,264 14 April 1941 she struck a mine and sunk off the Greek island of Aegina
SS Clan Cumming 1946 7,812 1962 scrapped
SS Clan Davidson 1911 5,058 1917 torpedoed and sunk off Scilly Isles by UC-17 (48°16′N 08°36′W / 48.267°N 8.600°W / 48.267; -8.600); loss of 14 lives[9]
SS Clan Davidson 1943 8,067 Completed for Admiralty as HMS Bonaventure

1948 returned to Clan Line, renamed Clan Davidson
1961 scrapped

SS Clan Drummond 1882 2,922 1898 foundered in heavy weather in Bay of Biscay, with the loss of 37 lives
SS Clan Farquhar 1899 5,858 1917 torpedoed and sunk off Benghazi by UB-43, with the loss of 49 lives[10]
SS Clan Farquhar 1918 8,006 ex-Delphic

1933 purchased from White Star Line, renamed Clan Farquhar
1948 scrapped

MV Clan Farquharson 1962 9,292 1968 sold to Iran, renamed Arya Sep
SS Clan Ferguson 1898 4,808 1917 torpedoed and sunk by UB-49 15 nautical miles (28 km) NW of Cap Spartel, Morocco (35°50′N 06°10′W / 35.833°N 6.167°W / 35.833; -6.167); loss of 10 lives[11]
SS Clan Ferguson 1938 7,347 12 August 1942 both bombed by German Ju 88 aircraft and torpedoed by the Italian submarine Alagi, sank 20 nautical miles (37 km) N of Zembra Island. She was taking part in Operation Pedestal.
MV Clan Fergusson 1961 9,242 1965 sold to Scindia Steam Navigation Company, Bombay, renamed Jalapankhi
MV Clan Finlay 1962 9,292 1968 sold to Iran, renamed Arya Far
SS Clan Forbes 1882 2,461 1903 sold to Furness, Withy & Co., renamed London City (3)
SS Clan Forbes 1903 3,946 1918 torpedoed and sunk in Mediterranean by UB-103 (31°55′N 27°50′E / 31.917°N 27.833°E / 31.917; 27.833), with the loss of 2 lives[12]
SS Clan Forbes 1938 7,529 1959 scrapped
MV Clan Forbes 1961 9,292 1968 sold to Iran, renamed Arya Man
SS Clan Fraser 1878 2,092 1895 sold to Dene Steamship Co, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, renamed Oakdene
SS Clan Fraser 1900 3,588 1919 sold to Greece, renamed Aghia Paraskevi
SS Clan Fraser 1938 7,529 1941 bombed at Piraeus while unloading ammunition and exploded
MV Clan Fraser 1961 9,292 1965 sold to Scindia Steam Navigation Company, Bombay, renamed Jalapalaka
SS Clan Gordon 1879 2,091 1897 wrecked Mozambique
SS Clan Gordon 1900 3,589 1919 capsized and sank off Cape Hatteras, with no loss of life
SS Clan Graham 1882 2,926 1905 sold to Bombay & Persia Steam Navigation Company, renamed Majdi
SS Clan Graham 1907 5,213 1918 Badly damaged in an attack by German submarine UC-74 15 nautical miles (28 km) SSE of Cape Sidero[13]

1921 sold for scrap after collision and fire in River Scheldt

SS Clan Graham 1912 5,785 ex-Cambrian Princess

1929 purchased from William Thomas Shipping Company, Cardiff, renamed Clan Graham
1935 transferred to Houston Line
1938 sold to Neil & Pandelis, London, renamed Maritima

MVClan Graham 1962 9,308 1971 transferred to King Line

1977 reverted to Clan Line
1981 sold to Panama, renamed Candelaria

SS Clan Grant 1883 3,580 1900 sold to Russia and became whaling supply ship Michail
SS Clan Grant 1902 3,948 16 October 1914 captured and sunk by German raider Emden off the Maldives
SS Clan Grant 1912 5,817 ex-Cambrian Marchioness

1929 purchased from R.J. Thomas, Cardiff, renamed Clan Grant
1935 transferred to Houston Line
1939 sold to Stanhope Shipping Co., London, renamed Stangrant

MV Clan Grant 1962 9,322 1971 transferred to King Line

1977 reverted to Clan Line
1981 sold to Panama, renamed Enriqueta

SS Clan Keith 1914 4,306 ex-Etonian

1918 purchased from Cambrian Steam Navigation Company, renamed Clan Keith
1920 transferred to Houston Line, renamed Hilarius
1924 reverted to Clan Line renamed Clan Keith
1937 sold to Minster Steamship Company, London, renamed Orminster

SS Clan Keith 1942 7,129 ex-Ocean Verity

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Keith
1961 exploded and sank off Tunisia, with the loss of 62 lives

SS Clan Kennedy 1907 5,086 ex-Ardgaroch

1918 purchased from Lang & Fulton, Greenock, renamed Clan Kennedy
1924 grounded off Suffolk, total loss

SS Clan Kennedy 1942 7,143 ex-Ocean Viscount

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Kennedy
1959 sold to China, renamed Kelly

SS Clan Kenneth 1909 5,100 ex-Ardgryfe

1918 purchased from Lang & Fulton, Greenock, renamed Clan Kenneth
1934 scrapped

SS Clan Kenneth 1942 7,132 ex-Ocean Viceroy

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Kenneth
1958 sold to Greece, renamed Omonia II

SS Clan Lamont 1879 2,091 3 May 1891 wrecked Vindiloas Point, Batticaloa, Ceylon
SS Clan Lamont 1900 3,594 1928 scrapped
SS Clan Lamont 1939 7,673 1940–48 used by Admiralty as Landing ship and later as troop ferry

1948 returned to Clan Line. 1961 scrapped.

SS Clan Leslie 1902 3,973 1916 torpedoed and sunk by UB-43 200 nautical miles (370 km) E of Malta (33°56′N 18°37′E / 33.933°N 18.617°E / 33.933; 18.617), with the loss of 3 lives[14]
SS Clan Lindsay 1896 2,668 1898 wrecked Cape Colony
SS Clan Lindsay 1902 3,935 1931 scrapped
SS Clan Macalister 1891 2,265 1902 sold to Furness Withy, renamed Loyalist
SS Clan Macalister 1903 4,835 1916 torpedoed and sunk by U-35 120 nautical miles (220 km) SxE of Cape Martello, Crete. There was no loss of life[15]
SS Clan Macalister 1930 6,787 29 May 1940 bombed and sunk during Dunkirk evacuation with the loss of 12 lives
SS Clan Macarthur 1883 3,984 1904 sold to Shah Steam Navigation Company, India, renamed Shah Jehan
SS Clan Macarthur 1912 7,382 1920 transferred to Scottish Shire Line, renamed Berwickshire

20 August 1944 torpedoed and sunk 200 nautical miles (370 km) E of Durban by U-861, with the loss of 8 lives[16]

SS Clan Macarthur 1936 10,528 12 August 1943 torpedoed and sunk by U-181 E of Madagascar, with the loss of 53 lives[17]
SS Clan Macaulay 1899 2,834 1929 scrapped
SS Clan Macaulay 1936 10,492 1961 transferred to Houston Line

1963 scrapped

SS Clan MacBean 1917 5,052 1947 sold to Goulandris Brothers, renamed Korthion
SS Clan MacBean 1942 7,129 ex-Ocean Courier

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Macbean
1960 scrapped

SS Clan MacBeolan 1912 4,652 ex-Lord Cromer

1918 purchased from J. Herron, Liverpool, renamed Clan Macbeolan
1920 transferred to Houston Line, renamed Halesius
1936 sold to Greece, renamed Avra

SS Clan Macbeth 1913 4,650 1937 sold to Nailsea Steamship Company, Cardiff, renamed Nailsea Vale
SS Clan Macbeth 1942 7,130 ex-Ocean Glory

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Macbeth
1959 sold to Hong Kong, renamed Madonna

SS Clan Macbrayne 1916 4,818 1943 transferred to Houston Line

1948 sold to Panama, renamed San Georgio

SS Clan Macbrayne 1942 7,129 ex-Ocean Messenger

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Macbrayne
1960 transferred to King Line
1961 scrapped

SS Clan Macbride 1912 4,886 1937 sold to McGowan & Gross, renamed Heathcot
SS Clan Macbride 1942 7,128 ex-Ocean Gypsy
1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Macbride

1958 sold to Hong Kong, renamed Alice

SS Clan Maccorquodale 1913 5,121 1917 torpedoed and sunk by UB-51 in Mediterranean 165 nautical miles (306 km) NWxN of Alexandria[18]
SS Clan Macdonald 1882 2,642 1897 sold to Dene Steamship Company, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, renamed Briardene
SS Clan Macdonald 1897 4,839 1922 sold to Japan, renamed Hokuyo Maru
MV Clan Macdonald 1928 6,022 1929 transferred to Scottish Shire Line, renamed Stirlingshire

2 December 1940 She was part of Convoy HX-90 when she was torpedoed and sunk in Atlantic (55°36′N 16°22′W / 55.600°N 16.367°W / 55.600; -16.367) by U-94, with no loss of life[19]

MV Clan Macdonald 1939 9,653 1960 transferred to Houston Line

1970 scrapped

SS Clan MacDougall 1904 4,710 1918 torpedoed and sunk by UB-49 off Sardinia, with the loss of 33 lives[20]
MV Clan MacDougall 1929 6,843 31 May 1941 torpedoed and sunk by U-106 near Cape Verde Islands, with the loss of 2 lives[21]
MV Clan MacDougall 1943 9,710 1960 transferred to Houston Line

1971 sold to Cyprus renamed Vyrsi

SS Clan Macduff 1870 2,319 ex-City of Oxford

1881 purchased from George Smith & Sons, renamed Clan Macduff
1881 sank in bad weather off Ireland, with the loss of 32 lives

SS Clan Macewen 1912 5,140 1920 transferred to Scottish Shire Line, renamed Buteshire

1932 transferred to Houston Line
1948 scrapped

SS Clan Macfadyen 1899 2,816 1921 sold to Japan, renamed Shunka Maru
SS Clan Macfadyen 1923 6,224 27 November 1942 The unescorted vessel was torpedoed and sunk by U-508 east of Trinidad, with the loss of 82 lives[22]
SS Clan Macfadyen 1944 ex Samderwent, Managed for MOWT

1947 renamed Clan Macfadyen
1958 sold to Greece, renamed Betavista

SS Clan Macfarlane 1898 4,823 1915 torpedoed and sunk by U-38 off Crete, with the loss of 52 lives[23]
SS Clan Macfarlane 1922 6,222 1940 sank after collision in Red Sea, with the loss of 41 lives
SS Clan Macfarlane 1943 7,176 ex Sambrian. Managed for MOWT

1947 renamed Clan Macfarlane
1961 sold to Lebanon, renamed Nicholas

SS Clan Macgillivray 1911 5,023 1948 sold to Hong Kong, renamed Maclock
MV Clan Macgillivray 1962 9,039 1969 transferred to King Line

1981 sold to Hong Kong renamed Clan Macboyd

MV Clan MacGowan 1962 9,039 1969 transferred to King Line

1970 sold to India SS Co., renamed Indian Tribune

SS Clan MacGregor 1882 3,003 1899 sunk in collision off Portugal
SS Clan Macgregor 1901 4,511 1 June 1902 She ran aground and was wrecked at Atlas Reef, South Africa on her maiden voyage
MV Clan MacGregor 1962 9,039 1969 transferred to King Line

1977 reverted to Clan Line
1982 sold to Greece, renamed Angelika R

SS Clan Macilwraith 1924 4,958 1950 sold to F. Vinnen, Bremen, renamed Magdalene Vinnen
MV Clan Macilwraith 1960 7,419 1979 sold to Singapore, renamed Golden City
SS Clan Macindoe 1920 4,635 1943 burnt out at Alexandria
MV Clan Macindoe 1959 7,395 1979 sold to Gulf Shipping Lines, renamed Gulf Heron
SS Clan Macinnes 1907 3,755 ex-Roanoke

1907 purchased from Chesapeake & Ohio Steamship Company, renamed Clan Macinnes
1914 sold to Furness Withy, reverted to Roanoke

SS Clan MacInnes 1920 4,672 1947 sold to Noemijulia Steamship Company, London, renamed San George
MV Clan MacInnes 1952 6,559 1978 sold to Lebanon, renamed Athoub
SS Clan Macintosh 1883 4,053 1905 sold to M. Jebson, Hamburg, renamed Totti
SS Clan Macintosh 1905 4,774 1932 scrapped
MV Clan Macintosh 1951 6,556 1978 sold to Hong Kong, renamed Sanil
SS Clan Macintyre 1891 2,515 1902 sold to Ellerman Lines, renamed Bulgarian
SS Clan Macintyre 1903 4,807 1928 sold to Italy, renamed Norma
MV Clan Macintyre 1951 6,556 1976 sold to Panama, renamed Eastern Express
SS Clan Maciver 1907 3,760 ex-Rapidan

1907 purchased from Chesapeake & Ohio Steamship Company, renamed Clan Maciver
1914 sold to Furness Withy, reverted to Rapidan

SS Clan Maciver 1921 4,606 1951 sold to Costa Rica, renamed Carrena
MV Clan Maciver 1958 7,413 1979 sold to Panama, renamed Trinity Pride
SS Clan Mackay 1882 2,171 1891 wrecked Ceylon
SS Clan Mackay 1894 2,600 1913 sold to Adelaide Steamship Company, renamed Ceduna

1924 Tung Duck
1937 Chang Teh
1937 Pananis
1941 Shinyo Maru

SS Clan Mackay 1916 5,040 1918 sank after collision SW of the Scilly Isles
SS Clan Mackay 1913 5,182 ex-Sudmark, Hamburg America Line

1914 captured by Royal Navy, renamed Huntscraft
1919 purchased from Shipping Controller
1921 renamed Clan Mackay
19 October 1934 she ran aground and was wrecked near Sierra Leone at 8°30′N 13°18′W / 8.500°N 13.300°W / 8.500; -13.300

SS Clan Mackay 1945 7,389 ex-Empire Gunfleet

1946 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Mackay
1962 sold to Panama, renamed Babylon

SS Clan Mackellar 1912 6,382 1937 sold to McGowan & Gross, renamed Moorcot
SS Clan Mackellar 1944 7,051 ex-Empire Lankester

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Mackellar
1961 sold to Hong Kong, renamed Ardgroom

SS Clan Mackendrick 1943 ex-Empire Pickwick

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Mackendrick
1961 sold to Hong Kong, renamed Ardpatrick

SS Clan Mackenzie 1882 2,987 1904 sold to Shah Steam Navigation Company, India, renamed Shah Ameer
SS Clan Mackenzie 1911 5,018 1912 She was wrecked when she ran aground near Torre Nueva, near Cadiz
SS Clan Mackenzie 1917 6,544 1918 torpedoed and damaged by German submarine UB-30 S of the Isle of Wight[24]

1937 beached after collision in Liverpool Bay, total loss

SS Clan Mackenzie 1942 7,025 ex-Empire Cato

1947 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Mackenzie, 1960 scrapped

SS Clan Mackinlay 1918 6,418 6 November 1940 She was bombed by a German He 115 seaplane and sunk off Noss, Scotland, with the loss of 5 lives
SS Clan Mackinlay 1945 7,392 ex-Empire Fawley

1946 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Mackinlay, 1962 scrapped

SS Clan Mackinnon 1891 2,268 1902 sold to Furness Withy, renamed Evangeline
SS Clan Mackinnon 1902 4,788 1927 sold to Finland, renamed Herakles
SS Clan Mackinnon 1945 7,373 ex-Empire Dunnet

1946 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Mackinnon
1955 transferred to Houston Line
1961 sold to Hong Kong, renamed Ardross

SS Clan Maclachlan 1900 4,729 1917 sank following being run down by Italian steamer Europa when 60 nautical miles (110 km) SW of Cape Spartel off Morocco. Both ships were travelling without lights due to wartime. 6 lives were lost
SS Clan Maclachlan 1946 6,365 1971 scrapped
SS Clan Maclaren 1899 2,832 1924 sold to Japan, renamed Muroran Maru
SS Clan Maclaren 1946 6,389 1976 transferred to Houston Line in 1959

1961 reverted to Clan Line
1976 sold to Seymour Shipping Company, London, renamed Seemor

SS Clan Maclay 1948 6,389 1976 sold to Panama, renamed Climax Amethyst
SS Clan Maclean 1870 2,329 ex-City of Cambridge

1881 purchased from George Smith & Son, renamed Clan Maclean
13 August 1903 She ran aground and was wrecked in fog on Portuguese coast 6 nautical miles (11 km) N of Cape St. Vincent, with no loss of life

SS Clan Maclean 1905 4,676 1919 wrecked on Comoros Islands, with no loss of life
MV Clan Maclean 1947 6,017 1976 sold to Singapore, renamed Sentosa Island
SS Clan Maclennan 1947 6,366 1971 scrapped
SS Clan Macleod 1871 2,290 ex-City of Mecca

1881 purchased from George Smith & Son, renamed Clan Macleod
1883 sold to Stephen in part payment for new ship and resold to Sloman Line, Hamburg, renamed Procida

SS Clan Macleod 1891 2,507 1902 sold to Ellerman Lines, renamed Bosnian
SS Clan Macleod 1903 4,796 1915 shelled and sunk by U-33 at position 35°39′N 16°43′E / 35.650°N 16.717°E / 35.650; 16.717 E of Malta, with the loss of 12 lives[25]
MV Clan Macleod 1948 6,073 1976 sold to Cyprus, renamed Papaji
SS Clan Macmaster 1917 6,563 30 September 1923 She was wrecked on Thousla Rock, Calf of Man, on voyage from Clydebank to Liverpool with a general cargo
SS Clan Macmillan 1901 4,525 1917 torpedoed and sunk by UB-39 in English Channel at 50°41′N 00°01′W / 50.683°N 0.017°W / 50.683; -0.017[26]
SS Clan Macmillan 1918 6,608 1924 wrecked in Bay of Bengal, with no loss of life
SS Clan Macnab 1891 2,266 1903 sold to Furness Withy, renamed St. John City
SS Clan Macnab 1904 4,675 1918 torpedoed and sunk by U-113 off Land's End at 50°20′N 05°55′W / 50.333°N 5.917°W / 50.333; -5.917, with the loss of 22 lives[27]
SS Clan Macnab 1920 6,114 1941 sank after collision near Cape Verde Islands
MV Clan Macnab 1961 9,428 1980 sold to Panama, renamed New Eagle
SS Clan Macnair 1921 6,094 1952 scrapped
MV Clan Macnair 1962 9,401 1980 sold to Singapore, renamed Lichiang
SS Clan Macnaughton 1911 4,985 1915 disappeared at sea in Atlantic while serving as Armed Merchant Cruiser - presumed mined, with the loss of 281 lives
SS Clan Macnaughton 1921 6,110 1 August 1942 the unescorted vessel was torpedoed and sunk E of Trinidad by U-155, with the loss of 5 lives[28]
SS Clan Macneil 1891 2,421 1902 sold to Ellerman Lines, renamed Belgravian
SS Clan Macneil 1903 3,939 1918 torpedoed and sunk by UC-34 off Alexandria at 31°21′N 29°47′E / 31.350°N 29.783°E / 31.350; 29.783[29]
SS Clan Macneil 1921 6,111 1952 scrapped
SS Clan Macphee 1911 5,177 16 August 1940 torpedoed and sunk in Atlantic by U-30, with the loss of 67 lives[30]
SS Clan Macpherson 1883 3,989 1905 sold to M. Jebson, Hamburg, renamed Hanna
SS Clan Macpherson 1905 4,779 1918 torpedoed and sunk by UC-27 off North Africa at 37°47′N 09°05′E / 37.783°N 9.083°E / 37.783; 9.083, with the loss of 20 lives[31]
SS Clan Macpherson 1929 6,940 1 May 1943 torpedoed and sunk by U-515 off Freetown, with the loss of 4 lives[32]
SS Clan Macquarrie 1913 5,060 13 June 1942 sunk by Leonardo da Vinci at 05°30′N 23°30′W / 5.500°N 23.500°W / 5.500; -23.500 west of Freetown
SS Clan Macquarrie 1942 7,131 ex-Ocean Wayfarer

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Macquarrie
1953 scrapped after going aground in a storm on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland at the village of Borve. 66 crew were rescued by villagers

SS Clan Macqueen 1942 7,131 ex-Ocean Vesper

1948 purchased from MOWT, renamed Clan Macqueen
1954 transferred to Houston Line, renamed Herminius
1958 sold to Panama, renamed Ekberg

SS Clan Macrae 1892 2,510 ex-Shatt el Arab

1894 taken over with Persian Gulf Steamship Company, renamed Clan Macrae
1900 sold to Chadwick Steamship Company, renamed Carmelite

SS Clan Macrae 1911 5,058 1921 transferred to Scottish Shire Line, renamed Banffshire

1932 transferred to Houston Line
29 September 1943 torpedoed and sunk off Maldives by U-532. Only 1 crew member was killed[33]

SS Clan Macrae 1942 9,209 ex-Empire Might

1946 purchased from Ministry of War Transport, renamed Clan Macrae
1959 transferred to Bullard King & Co., renamed Umgeni
1960 transferred to Springbok Line, renamed Gembok
1961 transferred to Safmarine, renamed South African Financier
1962 scrapped

SS Clan Mactaggart 1920 7,603 1935 transferred to Scottish Shire Line

16 November 1942 torpedoed and sunk by U-92 NW of Gibraltar, with the loss of 3 lives[34]

SS Clan Mactaggart 1949 8,035 1971 scrapped
SS Clan Mactavish 1912 5,816 1916 shelled and sunk by German raider SMS Möwe off Madeira, with the loss of 18 lives
SS Clan Mactavish 1920 7,619 8 October 1942 torpedoed and sunk by U-159 in Indian Ocean, with the loss of 61 lives[35]
SS Clan MacTavish 1949 8,035 1971 scrapped
SS Clan Macvey 1918 5,830 1918 torpedoed and sunk in English Channel on maiden voyage by UB-57[36]
SS Clan MacVicar 1918 5,815 1936 sold to Counties Ship Management, London, renamed Dover Hill

On 9 June 1944 during the Normandy landings she was scuttled off Sword Beach as a Corncob block ship for a Gooseberry Harbour.

SS Clan Macwhirter 1918 7,062 ex-Ypresville

1919 purchased from Lloyd Royal Belge by Houston Line, renamed Halizones
1920 sold to Convoy Steamship Company, Liverpool, renamed Willcasino
1922 reverted to Houston Line
1923 transferred to Clan Line, renamed Clan Macwhirter
27 August 1942 torpedoed and sunk by U-156 N of Madeira (35°45′N 18°45′W / 35.750°N 18.750°W / 35.750; -18.750), with the loss of 10 lives[37]

SS Clan Macwilliam 1918 7,234 1927 burnt out at Vavau, Friendly Islands
SS Clan Malcolm 1916 5,994 26 September 1935 She struck Tregwin Rocks in thick fog and was wrecked near Lizard Point
MV Clan Malcolm 1957 7,686 1979 sold to Panama, renamed Trinity Fair
SS Clan Matheson 1883 3,917 1905 sold to M. Jebson, Hamburg, renamed Mariechen
SS Clan Matheson 1905 4,775 14 September 1914 captured and sunk by German raider Emden in the Bay of Bengal
SS Clan Matheson 1917 5,960 1918 sank after collision in mid Atlantic
SS Clan Matheson 1919 5,613 1948 transferred to Houston Line, renamed Harmodius

1951 sold to Heron Steamship Co, London, renamed Claire T
1953 sold to Romney Steamship Co.
1955 sold to Ministry of Transport
Scuttled on 27 July 1955 as part of Operation Sandcastle

MV Clan Matheson 1957 7,585 1978 scrapped
SS Clan Menzies 1896 2,669 1925 sold to A. Ardito, Genoa, renamed Nostra Signora di Coronata
SS Clan Menzies 1938 7,556 27 July 1940 torpedoed and sunk off Ireland by U-99 with the loss of 6 lives[38]
MV Clan Menzies 1958 8,000 1979 sold to Panama, renamed Trinity Splendour
SS Clan Monroe 1881 2,197 1897 sold to Dene Steamship Co, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, renamed Cedardene
SS Clan Monroe 1897 4,853 1905 wrecked near Cape Town
SS Clan Monroe 1918 5,919 1940 she struck mine off Harwich whilst acting as auxiliary transport. She was taken in tow and beached in Hollesley Bay. She was declared a total loss, with the loss of 13 lives
SS Clan Morrison 1918 5,931 24 February 1940 She struck a mine en route from Southampton to Blyth, Northumberland and sank in the North Sea
SS Clan Murdoch 1919 5,930 1948 transferred to Houston Line, renamed Halesius

1952 sold to Panama, renamed Jan Kiki

SS Clan Murdoch 1946 7,375 Completed as Hesperia for Houston Line

1960 transferred to Clan Line, renamed Clan Murdoch
1962 sold to Turkey, renamed Mustafa

SS Clan Murray 1881 2,108 ex-Muriel

1882 purchased from W. Ritchie, Aberdeen, renamed Clan Murray
1897 sold to Dene Steamship Co, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, renamed Olivedene

SS Clan Murray 1897 4,835 1917 torpedoed and sunk by UC-55 off Fastnet (50°57′N 10°21′W / 50.950°N 10.350°W / 50.950; -10.350), with the loss of 64 lives[39]
SS Clan Murray 1918 5,926 1949 transferred to Houston Line, renamed Halizones

1952 scrapped

SS Clan Murray 1946 7,301 Completed as Hesperides for Houston Line

1960 transferred to Clan Line, renamed Clan Murray
1960 scrapped

SS Clan Ogilvie 1882 2,425 Wrecked off Corsica, 7 January 1888.[40]
SS Clan Ogilvy 1896 2,641 1913 sold to Japan, renamed Taiyo Maru
SS Clan Ogilvy 1914 5,802 1938 transferred to Houston Line

30 June 1940 As part of Convoy SL-36, she was attacked and damaged by U-65. She was repaired and returned to service in October 1940
21 March 1941 torpedoed and sunk NW of Dakar by U-105 at 20°04′N 25°45′W / 20.067°N 25.750°W / 20.067; -25.750, with the loss of 36 lives[41]

MV Clan Ramsay 1965 10,542 1977 transferred to Union-Castle Line, renamed Winchester Castle
SS Clan Ranald 1878 2,048 1899 sold to Ranald Steamship Co, Glasgow, renamed Ranald
SS Clan Ranald 1900 3,596 1909 capsized and sank off the SE coast of Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
SS Clan Ranald 1917 5,503 1943 transferred to Houston Line

1947 sold to Malta, renamed Valletta City

MV Clan Ranald 1964 10,541 1976 transferred to Union-Castle Line, renamed Dover Castle
SS Clan Robertson 1897 4,826 1922 sold to Japan, renamed Kyosei Maru
SS Clan Robertson 1919 7,976 ex-Otaki

1934 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Company, renamed Clan Robertson
1938 sold to Stanhope Shipping Co, London, renamed Stanfleet
Later sold to Blue Star Line and became Pacific Star

SS Clan Robertson 1954 7,878 1959 transferred to Bullard King & Co., renamed Umzinto

1960 transferred to Springbok Line, renamed Rooibok
1961 transferred to Safmarine, renamed South African Shipper
1966 renamed S.A.Shipper
1975 scrapped

MV Clan Robertson 1965 10,541 1976 transferred to Union-Castle Line, renamed Balmoral Castle
1982 renamed Balmoral Universal
1982 sold and renamed Psara Reefer

19 Jun 1984 scrapped[42]

SS Clan Ross 1894 2,604 1914 sold to Adelaide Steamship Company, renamed Cantara
SS Clan Ross 1914 5,897 1918 torpedoed and damaged in an attack by UB-48 28 nautical miles (52 km) E of Cape Camerat, France[43]

1938 transferred to Houston Line
2 April 1942 torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I-6 300 nautical miles (560 km) SW of Bombay, with the loss of 11 lives. She was en route from Liverpool to Cochin

SS Clan Ross 1956 7,698 1960 transferred to Houston Line

1961 transferred to Safmarine, renamed South African Scientist
1962 transferred to Union-Castle Line, renamed Kinnaird Castle

MV Clan Ross 1966 10,542 1976 transferred to Union-Castle Line, renamed Kinpurnie Castle
SS Clan Shaw 1896 3,442 ex-Imperialist

1896 purchased from Angier Bros, London, renamed Clan Shaw
1898 sold to F & W. Ritson, Sunderland, renamed Vine Branch

SS Clan Shaw 1902 3,943 1917 mined by UC-29. She was beached and declared a total loss 8 nautical miles (15 km) NE of St.Andrews, near Dundee, with the loss of 2 lives[44]
SS Clan Shaw 1950 8,101 1960 transferred to Springbok Line, renamed Steenbok

1961 transferred to Safmarine, renamed South African Seafarer
1966 wrecked Cape Town

SS Clan Sinclair 1882 2,961 1905 sold to Bombay & Persia SN Co., renamed Rahmani
SS Clan Sinclair 1907 5,215 1933 scrapped
SS Clan Sinclair 1950 8,386 1960 transferred to Springbok Line, renamed Bosbok

1961 transferred to Safmarine, renamed South African Statesman
1966 renamed S.A.Statesman
1972 scrapped

SS Clan Skene 1918 5,257 1920 transferred to Houston Line, renamed Halocrates

1923 reverted to Clan Skene
10 May 1940 torpedoed and sunk in Atlantic by U-333, with the loss of 9 lives[45]

SS Clan Stewart 1954 8,163 1961 transferred to Safmarine, renamed South African Sculptor

1962 transferred to Union-Castle Line, renamed Kinpurnie Castle

SS Clan Stuart 1879 2,115 1900 sold to India, renamed Rander Reunion
SS Clan Stuart' 1900 3,594 21 November 1914 She ran aground and was wrecked after her anchors dragged in a SE storm at Simons Bay, South Africa on Government Transport work. All crew survived, but the ship was a total loss.
SS Clan Stuart 1916 5,755 1940 sank after collision off Start Point
SS Clan Sutherland 1896 2,820 17 April 1917 She was torpedoed and damaged by UC-66 18 nautical miles (33 km) SE of Start Point[46]

1921 sold to Japan, renamed Shinshu Maru

SS Clan Sutherland 1950 8,436 1971 sold to China National Machinery Import & Export Corp, China and arrived 10 November 1971 at Hsinkang for scrapping
SS Clan Urquhart 1899 5,855 1929 sold to Retzlaff, Rostock, renamed Generaldirektor Sonnenschein
SS Clan Urquhart 1911 9,564 ex-Argyllshire

1917 taken with Scottish Shire Line
1933 transferred to Clan Line, renamed Clan Urquhart
1936 scrapped

SS Clan Urquhart 1943 9,726 1960 transferred to Houston Line

1966 scrapped

Legacy edit

 
35028 Clan Line

It was one of the shipping companies commemorated by the Merchant Navy class of Southern Railway locomotives. Locomotive number 35028 built in 1948 carries the name "Clan Line" and is currently maintained in fully operational condition for hauling excursion trains on the UK's national railway system.

House flags edit

  •  
    House flag until the 1910s.[47]
  •  
    House flag used from 1910s to the end of the company's existence.
  •  
    Commodore's flag used to distinguish the Flagship.
  •  
    Flag of Clan Sutherland (1951), preserved in Royal Museums Greenwich.

Clan Line company used on its ships a general flag with a red lion on a white rhombus on a red background and second flag with a rhombus and lion on tartan belonging to the clan after which the ship was named. Tartan flags were used until the mid-1960s and were flown at the bow.[48]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Argyllshire". Scottish Built Ships. Caledonian Maritime Research Trust. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  2. ^ "Ayrshire (1300171)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  3. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Alpine". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  4. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Alpine". uboat.net.
  5. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Cameron". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  6. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Campbell". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  7. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Chisholm". uboat.net.
  8. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Cumming". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  9. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Davidson". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  10. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Farquhar". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  11. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Ferguson". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  12. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Forbes". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  13. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Graham". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  14. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Leslie". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  15. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macalister". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  16. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Berwickshire". uboat.net.
  17. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Macarthur". uboat.net.
  18. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Maccorquodale". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  19. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Stirlingshire". uboat.net.
  20. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macdougall". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  21. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Macdougall". uboat.net.
  22. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Macfadyen". uboat.net.
  23. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macfarlane". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  24. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Mackenzie". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  25. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macleod". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  26. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macmillan". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  27. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macnab". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  28. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Macnaughton". uboat.net.
  29. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macneil". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  30. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Macphee". uboat.net.
  31. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macpherson". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  32. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Macpherson". uboat.net.
  33. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Banffshire". uboat.net.
  34. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Mactaggart". uboat.net.
  35. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Mactavish". uboat.net.
  36. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Macvey". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  37. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Macwhirter". uboat.net.
  38. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Menzies". uboat.net.
  39. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Murray". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  40. ^ "Maritime Casualties". The Times. No. 32277. London. 9 January 1888. col D, p. 7.
  41. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Ogilvy". uboat.net.
  42. ^ "Clan Robertson". Scottish Built Ships. Caledonian Maritime Research Trust.
  43. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Ross". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  44. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Shaw". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  45. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Clan Skene". uboat.net.
  46. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Clan Sutherland". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net.
  47. ^ "House flag, Clan Line | Royal Museums Greenwich".
  48. ^ "House flag, 'Clan Sutherland' | Royal Museums Greenwich". www.rmg.co.uk.

Sources edit

  • Bax, John. "Clan Line". Merchant Navy Officers. Archived from the original on 3 May 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  • Swiggum, Susan; Kohli, Marjorie (6 March 2007). "C.W. Cayzer & Company / Cayzer, Irvine & Company / Clan Line of Steamers Limited / Clan Line". TheShipsList.
  • "House flag, Clan Line Steamers Ltd". National Maritime Museum.
  • Coombe, Ian. "Clan Line". Merchant Navy Nostalgia.

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Clan Line.
  • "Clan Line (Est. 1877)". The Ocean Liner Virtual Museum. The AJN Transport Britain Collection. 2005. Archived from the original on 28 September 2010.[dead link]
  • Caledonia Investments – company homepage
  • Nicholson, Nigel; Björnberg, Åsa (2006). "The Family Business Honours Award for Public-Private Partnership: Caledonia Investments plc" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2010.[dead link] – JP Morgan & London Business School case study
  • "Cayzer, Irvine and Clan Line". Cayzer Family Archive.

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