On 21 June 1922 Thomas and Flo Swallow (s3361) departed the Port of
London bound for Albany (King Georges Sound) in Western
Australia. They travelled there aboard the SS Euripides a ship
in the fleet of The Aberdeen Line and under the Mastership of PJ
Collins. .
The summary from the ship's passenger log for that particular trip can be seen below. A total of 1122 'souls set sail.
The entry for Thomas and Flo Swallow in the passenger log is clear and more details can be found on their FGN Page. An image containing their entry can be downloaded by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
The SS Euripides was a triple-screw steamship of 14,947 tons gross, she was built by Harland and Wolff at Belfast as the Euripides for the Aberdeen Line of George Thompson and Co., Ltd. Her maiden voyage to Australia began on July 1, 1914. On arrival she was one of 28 vessels requisitioned by the Australian government and fitted out as a troop ship. She was equipped to carry 136 officers, 2204 other ranks and provided stabling for 20 horses and took part in the first Australian troop convoy to the Dardanelles.
During the First World War she carried more than 38,000 troops, and in 1919 she returned to the London-Australia run via the Cape of Good Hope.
In 1932 she was acquired by the Shaw Savill and Albion Company and renamed Akaroa. Her boilers were converted from coal to oil burning, and extensive alterations were made in her pbuttenger accommodation.
During the Second World War she remained on commercial service although under general requisition, usually with Government cargo and service pbuttengers. After the war her gross tonnage was increased to 15,316. Following the war Euripides was returned to civilian service, and in 1932 was acquired by the Shaw Savill & Albion Line and renamed Akaroa. The ship was finally scrapped in 1954. The Akaroa was unusual in having both steam piston engines and a steam turbine for driving her three propellers.
The picture above shows the interior of a Third Class cabin on the S.S.Euripides furnished with four bunks either side of the small room and a wash hand basin. One of the bunks is fitted with a blanket showing the Aberdeen Line's house flag of the white star on a red background.
Link: Download Passenger Log Segment for Thomas & Flo Swallow.
