RMS OMRAH
Maker
Orient Line
(1878 - 1966)
Date1900 - 1918
Object number00002877
NamePostcard
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 85 x 135 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA black and white postcard depicting the starboard side of the Orient Line ship OMRAH.HistoryThe OMRAH was built by the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co, Glasgow in 1899 for the Orient Line. In 1908 she carried the Australian Rugby Team, the first Wallabies, to England for their tour of England and Wales.
In 1914 the OMRAH was requistioned by the Admirality and became part of the first convoy to depart Western Australia with troops to Egypt in November 1914.
On the 16th November, 1914, after the battle of the Cocos on the 9th November, approimately thirty of the German prisoners from the EMDEN were transferred to the OMRAH and headed to Malta.
After being returned to her owners as a RMS and passenger ship in February 1915, the OMRAH was again used in military service as a troop transport in January 1917 to transport troops to England as part of the Convoy 29.
On the 1st May 1918, the OMRAH left Alexandria for Marseilles in a conoy with six other transports. On the 12th May she was torpedoed and sunk by a German U boat in the Mediterranean off the coast of Sardina whilst on her return voyage from Marseilles, with the loss of one life.
SignificanceThe OMRAH played a significant role in Australia's maritime history, both as a passenger ship and later as transport ship in WWI.
