Orient Line RMS OTRANTO, 20,000 tons
Maker
Orient Line
(1878 - 1966)
Date1952
Object number00027003
NamePostcard
MediumPhotographic image on paper
DimensionsImage: 85 x 133 mm
Sheet: 89 x 138 mm
Overall: 89 x 138 mm
Sheet: 89 x 138 mm
Overall: 89 x 138 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA postcard titled 'Orient Line RMS OTRANTO, 20,000 tons'. Handwritten on the reverse "Miss Margaret Tonkin of Melbourne". The card is postmarked Fremantle West Australia, 16th December 1952.HistoryOTRANTO entered service for the Orient Line in 1925, along with the ORONSAY, for the England to Australia route.
In 1942 she was requistioned as a landing ship - for the North Africa landings, and managed to escape major damage by German bombings. OTRANTO was later involved in returning New Zealand troops home in 1945 but was not released back to the Orient Line until 1948. After a major refit, including two outdoor pools, the OTRANTO resumed her role on the Australia run and was now primairily involved in the post WWII migration from Britain to Australia. In 1957 she suffered a series of engine problems and it was decided she would sold to shipbreakers that year.
SignificanceThe RMS OTRANTO had a long history with Australia and her role in the war and in the post war immigration trade, made her a familiar vessel in Australian waters.
