SS Maryland (1913)

SS Maryland was a steam cargo and transport ship of the Atlantic Transport Line. She served as a troop ship and animal transport for the Allies during World War I.

SS Maryland (Atlantic Transport Line)
History
Name	SS Maryland
Owner	Atlantic Transport Line
Port of registry	Belfast, United Kingdom
Route	London - New York
Ordered	1 July 1911
Builder	Harland & Wolff
Yard number	448
Launched	4 September 1913
Acquired	1 November 1913
In service	1 November 1913
Out of service	22 September 1933
Honours and awards	World War I service
Fate	Scrapped
General characteristics
Tonnage	4,731  GRT, 2,962  NRT
Length	370 feet (110 m)
Beam	50 feet 4 inches (15.34 m)
Depth	31 feet (9.4 m)
Decks	5
Installed power	1 H&W quadruple expansion engine (24.5 inches (62 cm), 35 inches (89 cm), 50 inches (130 cm) & 73 inches (190 cm) x 54 inches (140 cm))
Propulsion	Single screw, 392nhp
Speed	12 knots
Notes	Sister ships Missouri (1913) and Mississippi (1914)

Construction

Maryland was built for Atlantic Transport Line service prior to the outbreak of World War I. She was ordered 1 July 1911, with her hull built by Mackie & Thomson, and was launched on 4 September 1913 from the Govan shipbuilding yard on the River Clyde in Glasgow. ^{[1] [2]} She arrived in tow at Belfast for fitting out by Harland & Wolff ^[2] on 14 September 1913, where she was registered on 28 October, and delivered 1 November 1913. ^[3]

While under construction, the vessel was under the supervision of Captain Tubb, marine superintendent, and Mr. B. P. Fielden, superintendent engineer of the Atlantic Transport Line. ^[2]

Maryland, a 2-mast single-screw steamer, was built to Board of Trade survey standards and Harland & Wolff standard practice at the time, including a double bottom hull with water-tight bulkheads extending all the way to the upper deck. She had five steel decks and capacity for large cargo, with 16 derricks each capable of lifting five tons, 10 double purchase winches, a warping winch, and a steam windlass. Steering gear was standard Harland & Wolff type. There were contemporary accommodations for captain, officers, and crew, and the ship was fully fitted for electric lights, Marconi wireless telegraphy, and submarine signaling apparatus. ^[2]

After undergoing successful trials, the ship was delivered on 1 November 1913, and proceeded to London to begin service under the command of Captain S. W. Watkins. ^[2]

World War I

Along with other ships from the Atlantic Transport Line, Maryland saw service throughout World War I. As a general cargo and cattle carrier, ^{[3] [4]} the vessel was especially suited for the transport of horses and mules. ^[5] On 28 January 1919, "Q" Composite Squadron (A and B Squadrons) Surrey Yeomanry, along with 735 horses and mules, embarked on Maryland at Salonica for Batoum. ^[6]

Post-War

Maryland was sold for scrap on 22 September 1933 to the shipbreakers P & W MacLellan Ltd at Bo'ness, ^{[3] [4]} along with her sister ships SS Missouri (1913) and MS Mississippi (1914) the following month.

References

1. Maryland - Passenger Ship, shipvault.com, retrieved 22 March 2025
2. James, Reginald William (1914), The Marine Engineer and Naval Architect, vol. XXXVI, Offices for Advertisements and Publication, 3, Amen Corner, Paternoster Row, E.C., pp. 95, 137–138, 180
3. Screw Steamer Maryland, clydeships.co.uk, retrieved 22 March 2025
4. Harland and Wolff - Shipbuilding and Engineering Works, theyard.com, 23 February 2017, archived from the original on 4 December 2023, retrieved 22 March 2025
5. Kinghorn, Jonathan (2012), The Atlantic Transport Line, 1881-1931: A History with Details on All Ships, McFarland, p. 192
6. Harrison-Ainsworth, E. D. (1928), The History and War Records of the Surrey Yeomanry 1797-1928, Messrs. C. & E. Layton, 56, Farringdon St., London, E.C., p. 266