S.S. Otway 1909 to 1917

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Introduction:

Although on this page I am featuring only the second of five sister ships, being the S.S. Otway, but there is quiet a story attached to these ships.

The “Orient Line” began a close association with the “Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company” at the turn of the 20th century, with the two companies sharing an Australian Government mail contract. Each company had a vessel sailing from England to Australia every two weeks, resulting in a weekly service of fast mail ships. This was at a time of rapid expansion for the “Orient Line”, with a succession of larger ships being built. All five ships had names starting with ‘O’, commencing with 1. S.S. ‘Orsova’ (maiden voyage) June 25, 1909, - 2. ‘Otway’ July 9, 1909, - 3. ‘Osterley’ August 7, 1909, - 4. ‘Otranto’ October 1, 1909, - 5. ‘Orvieto’ November 25, 1909.

With these five fine 12,000-GRT (Gross Registered Ton) ships the “Orient Steam Navigation Company” offered the travelling public fixed sailings every other week to and from Australia commencing in 1909.

Here are the other four sister ships and they are shown in order of commencing their maiden voyages.

S.S. Orsova - Maiden Voyage, June 25, 1909

S.S. Osterley seen at Melbourne whilst a Troopship in August 1915

Maiden Voyage, August 7, 1909

S.S. Oranto - Maiden Voyage, October 1, 1909

S.S. Orvieto - Maiden Voyage, November 25, 1909

Construction to her Sea Trials of the “Otway”:

The S.S. Otway was owned by the “Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company”, was constructed by the “Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company” of Glasgow, UK, and she was laid down in Yard N° 459. She was launched on November 21, 1908, with the christening ceremony being performed by a Mrs Frederick Green, who was the wife of one of Orient Line’s managers. She was named after the well-known headland on located on the Victorian coast in Australia, *‘Cape Otway’. As soon as she was in the water, tugs took her under tow and she was taken to the builders fit-out berth where she was completed and fitted out.

*Cape Otway was charted by the British when Lieutenant ‘James Grant’ sailed through Bass Strait on the ‘Lady Nelson’ in December 1800. Grant named it ‘Cape Albany Otway’ after ‘Captain William Albany Otway’. This was later shortened to just ‘Cape Otway’.

Upon her completion she was a fine and a well-balanced looking liner, with her black hull and red boot topping, white superstructure, featuring her two long spacious promenade decks, topped beautifully topside by two lender tall funnels painted buff to yellow, as well as the traditional tall masts forward and aft.

Then on May 26, 1909 the S.S. Otway undertook her full-power trials on the Firth of Clyde. She ran the measured mile trials at Skelmorlie. She carried out a series of 12 runs, varying in speed from 13 knots to a maximum of 18.2 knots. Afterwards a series of trials were carried out to determine the diameter of the turning circle. This was found to be three cable lengths. Further trials consisted of four runs between the Cloch and Cumbrae Lights. These proved thoroughly successful, a mean speed of 17.87 knots being attained. Later she went on a six hours' continuous run at this speed.

S.S. Otway is seen during her Sea Trials

She afterwards left for London, running on the way a 24 hours’ coal consumption trial. The stipulated limit is 1.4lb per I.H.P. After her trails she was delivered to her owners in London.

Her Maiden Voyage:

The ‘Otway” was made ready for her forthcoming voyage as she had to be fully manned, stocked up and all her passengers facilities made ready and closer to departure day all foods had be on board. On July 8 the day prior her departure she looked simply magnificent and she was ready to receive her guests for an exciting voyage to Australia.

A delightful “Orient Line” colour postcard of the S.S. Otway which was sold on board

Thus on July 9, 1909, the S.S. Otway departed London fully laden on her maiden voyage and she called at the following Ports of call; Marseilles, Naples (18 July), Port Said (22 July), Suez (23 July), Colombo (2 August), Fremantle (12 August), Adelaide (16 August), Melbourne (18 August), Sydney (21 August), Brisbane (26 August), returning to Sydney (30 August), Melbourne (6 September), Fremantle, Port Said, Naples and London.

Her first port of call in Australia was Fremantle, being the port for the capital of Western Australia’s city of Perth on August 12, 1909, from here she would head south and then head east and sail along The “Southern Ocean” also known as the “Great Australian Bight” to Adelaide.

Her Maiden Visit to Adelaide:

S.S. Otway is seen arriving at Adelaide

Having arrived at Adelaide, Capital of South Australia, on Monday August 16, 1909, the local agency arranged a grand reception on board the “Otway” for a special group of invited guests:

“A special train departed Adelaide bound for the ‘Outer Harbour’ on Monday afternoon and on the train were a party of 200 ladies and gentlemen who had been invited by the ‘Orient Steam Navigation Company’ to a gala reception aboard their splendid new liner the S.S. Otway, which had arrived from England only that morning. The guests were received by Mr. M. G. Anderson, the South Australian agent, as well as the ships Commander, Captain F. Symons, R.N.R., and they were shown in various groups over the ship. There was no doubt that the luxurious appointments on board were greatly admired. The cost of this fine ocean liner came to UK£350,000 pounds, and she was a good 12,077 tons, which is 41 tons in excess of that of the slightly newer S.S. Orsova, thus the ‘Otway’ is now the largest British steamer to have visited Australia. She is also subdivided into 10 watertight compartments, and fitted for wireless telegraphy, and equipped with all the devices necessary to ensure efficient ventilation and sanitation. An important feature is a vast improvement in the accommodation for third-class passengers, a very important matter now that large numbers of English mechanics and labourers are finding out the great opportunities which Australia offers to them.

Obviously she accommodates passengers in three classes. Her Grand Dining Saloon was simply spectacular being multilevel, as was the elegant Lounge, Smoking, Reading, and Drawing Rooms, all set apart for First Class passengers. Even the fine Public Venues reserved for Second Class passengers were fitted in a more, costly and a superior fashion than some of the finest hotels in this City, whilst the Third Class Dining Saloon was a spacious venue covering the full width of the ship, and well lighted from both sides.

The maiden voyage story continues below the ‘photo album’.

Ship’s Photo Album:

First Class

S.S. Otway’s are particularly beautifully designed and perfectly installed, such as her Main Lounge and Drawing Room feature beautiful Italian walnut, whilst the Music-Room adjoining is in Italian walnut relief and planetree carving. The deck above has been raised so as to give a height below of about 11ft. The Smoking Room is in carved oak, and it provides that old English style.

Eight of the Cabins are Staterooms Deluxe and are finished in satinwood, oak, mahogany, and planetree. In the Dining Saloon and also in the Bedrooms of the Staterooms Deluxe there are ventilating punkahs, while in each cabin there was a ceiling fan. Cabins are twin, or three berth, but many of the cabins have a single berth.

Above & below: The very spacious First Class Boat Deck that also serves as the Sports & Sun Deck

The magnificent Lounge

The Smoking Room

She offered two Promenade Decks, which run practically the whole length of the ship, and the space thus available for exercise was simply remarkable. It was said at the time; “That it is a Sabbath day’s journey” to get from one end of the ‘Otway’ to the other, while the decks were all so high above the water level that a most comprehensive view of the surroundings was obtainable from them. Although compared to current time the largest cruise ship the hideous “Wonder of the Seas” is 236,857 GRT (Gross Registered Tons), thus the aforementioned is certainly highly exaggerated!

The spacious Promenade Deck

Above & below: Two views of the spectacular multi-level Dining Saloon

The comfort of the fine First Class Cabins and the excellent ‘Staterooms’, which were extremely spacious and as large and airy as many bedrooms ashore, whilst the ‘Staterooms Deluxe’ (Suites) consisted of a Lounge, a bedroom, bathroom, a trunk room, and even a maids’ room, and these were so attractive that they instilled a desire for ocean travel into many hearts of those who loved travelling in the grand style! I am sorry but the images a friend sent to me were of a very poor quality, but they were the best available.

The Lounge in one of the Staterooms Deluxe

These 3 images were provided by Shaun Delecamp (Liverpool, UK)

The Bedroom in the Stateroom Deluxe

And this is A Standard Stateroom

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Second Class

I am sorry but for both Second and Third Classes there were not too many images available, but I have provided what I have been able to locate.

The Second Class Dining Saloon is in polished mahogany, the Ladies’ or the Music Room is in light oak, and the Smoking Room in teak.

The Music Room

The Smoking Room

The Promenade Deck

The delightful Dining Saloon

The sleeping apartments in the second class were also desirable chambers, both in regard to their size and their appointments, and generally, the company in the “Otway” appear to have reached as nearly to perfection in the endeavour to cater for the comfort of their patrons asleep and awake as it is possible to reach even in these days of great achievements. Although sadly no photographs of any cabins are available.

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Third Class

The Third Class Dining Saloon, on the Main Deck, extends from side to side of the ship. The Third Class also have a Lounge, Music, come Ladles’ Room and Smoking Room. The majority of the cabins are for two and four passengers.

The Music (Ladies during the day) Room

The Dining Saloon

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The company entertained the visitors at afternoon tea, as well as a fine programme of instrumental music, including selections from a number of favourite operas, was rendered by the ‘Otway Orchestra’. The special train left the ‘Outer Harbour’ at 5 p.m., amid cheers from the ships passengers, and not long afterwards S.S. Otway resumed her voyage to Melbourne. There was no doubt that everyone present thoroughly enjoyed their time on the ship, which was made particularly pleasurable by the excellent organisation by Mr. Anderson for the convenience of his guests.

Maiden Visit to Melbourne:

The “Otway” arrived in Melbourne, Victoria, on August 18, 1909, and details of her crew were provided in a report on her arrival: “With names obliterated it would be impossible to distinguish the “Orsova” from her sister “Otway”, which arrived yesterday. The Otway berthed alongside the Railway Pier at Port Melbourne, where for the rest of the day she was an object of interest and admiration. Her arrival could not have been made under more favourable conditions, the weather leaving nothing to be desired. ln every sense the voyage of the new liner was a distinct success. Having departed London on July 9, the “Otway” had met with fine weather, which had continued throughout her voyage and her passengers had the perfect sailing and left leaving the ship with the highest compliments! The Otway was, as I have already mentioned under the Command of Captain F. Symons, R.N.R., who had with him the following Officers: Chief (First) Officer, Mr. W. de V. Baynham; Second, Mr. C. Mathieson; Third, Mr. C. F. Halliday; Surgeon, Mr. L. Stephen; purser, Mr. Windle; Chief Engineer, Mr. D. Williamson; Second Engineer, Mr. G.D.S. White; Chief Steward, Mr. T. E. Rimington. In the afternoon she was open for inspection for 6 pence with all proceeds going to charity.

S.S. Otway having disembarked her passengers bound for Melbourne and remained overnight, departed at noon on August 19, and headed northward for Sydney, New South Wales.

Maiden Visit to Sydney:

S.S. Otway is seen arriving at Sydney

She arrived at Sydney on August 21, 1909, and she received a huge welcome to the port. And as in all ports in Australia she offered a time open for people to come on board to inspect the ship once again for 6 pence. She departed on August 24 sailing for her two night voyage bound for the port of Brisbane.

Brisbane Queensland:

She arrived at the final port in Australia the Capital of the Sunshine State of Queensland Brisbane, as she steamed up the Brisbane River to the Hamilton wharves she and berthed on Thursday August 26 and again like at all ports many were awaiting her. Once her last passengers had disembarked, the ship was completely overhauled and made ready for her return voyage to London.

The S.S. Otway is seen in Brisbane on the day she was being overhauled

and made ready for her return voyage the next day

Photograph was kindly sent in by Peter Conway (Brisbane, AU)

On Saturday August 28, between 2 to 4 pm there was another inspection of the ship for yet another 6p, and later in the day she departed for Sydney. Passenger received a passenger list and at the back was the following map of their voyage showing all their ports of call.

The S.S. Otway is seen arriving back in Sydney

She arrived in Sydney on August 30, and departed Sydney on September 4, she arrived in Melbourne on September 6, and departed on the 7th, her next departure was from Adelaide on September 9, and she was due at Fremantle on September 13. Next she arrived at Colombo on September 23, and at Suez on October 5, Port Said on October 6, Naples on October 10, Marseilles on October 12th and arrived at London on October 18. Her voyage from Brisbane to London was a total of 13,123 miles as her map above showed.

She departed London for her second voyage to Australia on October 29, 1909, and she had yet another magnificent voyage in every respect, including the very best of weather conditions every inch of the way, well that was until she arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday December 8, 1909. In fact “The Argus” Melbourne’s Morning Newspaper reported the following the next day’

S.S. Otway.

“Most unseasonable conditions attended the arrival in Port Melbourne yesterday afternoon of the Orient liner ‘Otway’, from London. The weather was piercingly cold, whilst sharp rain and hail squalls materially increased the general discomfort. People waiting on the pier, of whom there was a large number, to welcome friends by the vessel, experienced an exceptionally unpleasant time, the want of shelter being greatly felt. New arrivals from Great Britain naturally received quite an erroneous impression of Australian summer weather, and hastily made invidious comparisons between the climate here and that of the old country. The Otway, which is on her second visit to the Commonwealth, had a very successful voyage, arriving here with upwards of 800 passengers in all classes. She left London on October 29, and made the usual intermediate port calls. Fine weather prevailing, sports and entertainments were freely entered into by those on board during the greater portion of the trip. To-day the Otway will resume her voyage to Sydney and Brisbane”.

From Brisbane as always she would return to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle I order to return to London. It should also be mentioned that the Otway during her return voyages to the UK, would also make regular seasonal calls to Tasmania (Lovingly known as “The Apple Isle”) and berth at Hobart in order to load apples there.

When the S.S. Otway was still very-new she was painted by a local maritime artist, a Mr. G. Glanville and it can be seen below.

The painting of the S.S. Otway by G. Glanville in 1909

Provided by Shaun Delecamp (Liverpool, UK)

Although the S.S. Orsova was the first of the five and the S.S. Otway the second, the other three sisters soon joined them and the fleet was enjoying great support and they became a much-loved fleet of ships!

A fine photograph of the S.S. Otway at Sea on her way to Australia

A rare view stern on whilst at an unknown port (possibly Hobart)

She is seen here in Brisbane in 1910

Photograph was kindly sent in by Peter Conway (Brisbane, AU)

Posters, Brochures and a Schedule:

Here are a few of the Orient Line’s publicities items from 1909 to the pre-war years.

An early Orient Line colour poster

A fine colour poster

A 1911 schedule of all the ships - featuring the “Otway”

An image of her during a stormy sea

But sadly her Australian passenger services did not last for long; in fact she made only 17 voyages to Australia. The reason being the tide of war sadly came along much too fast.

S.S. Otway was in Adelaide, South Australia on June 11, 1914, and the State’s Governor, Sir. Henry Galway, and Lady Galway visited the ship on that day, as the Governor must have known that she was heading home and would be requisitioned to become a ship of war.

Sir Henry Galway, the Governor of South Australia and Lady Galway, on board the S.S. Otway

She is seen here ready to depart Adelaide heading via Fremantle and the Suez Canal for the UK

Images provided by Graham Spencer (Adelaide SA)

World War One:

In July 1914, the “Orient Line” turned down a request by the Admiralty to charter the S.S. Otway to be used as a hospital ship. However, on November 11, 1914 the “Otway” was requisitioned to be converted into the ‘Armed Merchant Cruiser’, H.M.S. Otway. She was placed under the command of: Captain Edward L. Booty, November 12, 1914 - February 6, 1917. With her crew being as follow; Royal Navy 4, Royal Navy Reserve 39, Service-men 137, Marines 38, Engineers 85, Other ratings 46, Total Ratings 306,Total Crew 349. She was armed with eight 6-in guns and two 6 pounder’s (57 mm guns). When completed she was officially commissioned on November 23, 1914 and she carried ‘Pendant N° M.73’.

An illustration of the H.M.S. Otway as the ‘Armed Merchant Cruiser’ M.73

As a unit of the Tenth Cruiser Squadron she patrolled from the Skerries and the Shetlands (NW Scotland) to Iceland and Norway.

On March 10, 1915, she intercepted the ‘Norwegian-America Line’ liner the “Bergensfjord” as she was carrying 17 German nationals yet they were travelling under Norwegian passports. Then in July that year a fire broke out in the blacksmith’s shop, which was put out, yet she had to return to Birkenhead where she was due to have a refit, but again there was another fire this time on her Bridge on September 28, 1915, but this was also put out and all was soon rectified.

On October 16, 1915 she assisted to salvage the Norwegian S.S. Corona which had sprung a leak, but within just two hours she was sunk by the H.M.S. Holdebrand as she had become a danger to navigation.

January 3, 1916 she had to be dry-docked for several weeks at Birkenhead having been in a collision with the S.S. Dominion. Later that year on November 11, officers of the Otway boarded a Norwegian steam ship the “Older” as they had been advised that there could be some German U-Boat crew on board and there were indeed 9 of these crew from a U-Boat on that ship and they had in fact taken over that ship on November 13 and were taking her to Kiel with a cargo of Welsh coal, and they attempted to sink the ship with bombs and by opening peacock’s. The 22 crew of the “Older” were released, as well as two crews that had been sunk by the U-Boat, and the German’s were all taken prisoner on board the “Otway”.

Her Final Voyage:

On February 6, 1917 to July 23, 1917, Commodore (second class) Philip H. Colomb was the commander of the H.M.S. Otway M.73.

At 1445 hours on July 22, 1917 H.M.S. Otway departed Loch Ewe for a patrol off Rockall under the command of Commodore Colomb.

At 2000 hours the “Otway” was 8 mi or 12.87 kl off the Butt of Lewis. 2210 hours 14 mi or 22,53 kl abeam of Sula Sgeir.

Just two hours and 13 minutes later, at 2213 hours at position 58° 54’N, 6° 28’W in a calm sea suddenly a periscope was spotted off the port bow at 1,000 yards. The order was given to turn N.E. and put the periscope astern but almost immediately after the “Otway” had turned a torpedo struck the port propeller’s “A” bracket causing the aft section of the ship to flood. The explosion tragically instantly killed ten seamen who were sleeping in the “bag flat” directly above the “A” Bracket.

It was U-Boat SM UC 49 under the command of Kapitänleutnant Karl Petri who torpedoed the “Otway”.

It was rapidly established by the carpenter that the badly damaged ship was going to sink, thus the engines were put at full steam ahead at 15 knots, in an attempt to make for the island of North Rona, whilst the gun crews continued to fire at the periscope.

A message from H.M.S. Otway to S.O. 10th Cruiser Squadron read:

“Course south 85 east magnetic steering towards North Rona Island 15 knots” (no time recorded).

A message from R.A. Stornoway to H.M.S. Otway read:

“Sending 3 whalers, 2 trawlers 2 yachts and tug 2325” (Sent but no acknowledgment received).

After a while the port shaft broke causing more damage and the engine room started to flood. At 2300 hours the ship was stopped and the order given to abandon ship. All the crew and wounded left the vessel but Commodore Colomb, his Steward and the First Lieutenant stayed aboard to ensure no one was left behind and to prevent any possible boarding by the U boat crew. All secret papers were dumped overboard in a steel box and depth charges set to safe.

Just after midnight the Commodore called back one of the lifeboats as the ship was settling fast and the three men left the ship. And at 0015 hours the H.M.S. Otway sank by the stern.

All the boats and rafts remained close together throughout the night and at 0615 hours they were located by the whaler ‘Rorqual’ some 10 mi – 16 kl west (T) Sulisker.

51 officers & 315 ratings were rescued and taken to Stornoway arriving there at 1330 hours. However, owing to the lack of accommodation, at 2000 hours the officers and crew were taken in three armed trawlers to Kyle of Loch Alsh and from there by train to Inverness.

LEST WE FORGET:

Remembering the ten fine men that were lost on that tragic evening when they were in their bunks and the Germans sent that evil torpedo to the ships stern and hit just where they were sleeping. We will remember them!

1… Donald CAMPBELL (32), Seaman (no. 2905B), HMAV Otway, Royal Naval Reserve, †22/07/1917, Son of John and Isabella Graham Campbell, of North Tolsta; husband of Catherina Campbell, of 54, North Tolsta, Stornoway, Ross-shire.

2… William James LEWIN (18), Ordinary Seaman (no. J/65764), HMAV Otway, Royal Navy, †22/07/1917, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewin, of 60, Northern Rd., Plaistow, London,

3… Murdo MACDONALD, Seaman (no. 2790B), HMAV Otway, Royal Naval Reserve, †22/07/1917.

4… Murdo MACKAY (42), Leading Seaman (no. 2767B), Mentioned in Despatches, HMAV Otway, Royal Naval Reserve, †22/07/1917, Son of Donald and Ann MacKay, of 55, North Shawbost, Stornoway; husband of Catherine MacKay, of 55, North Shawbost, Stornoway.

5… Evander MACLEOD (34), Seaman (no. 4028B), HMAV Otway, Royal Naval Reserve, †22/07/1917, Son of Angus and Maggie MacLeod, of 34, Lower Bayble, Stornoway.

6… Donald MACPHAIL (42), Leading Seaman (no. 1623C), HMAV Otway, Royal Naval Reserve, †22/07/1917, Son of John and Bella Campbell MacPhail, of North Bragar; husband of E. MacPhail, of 24, North Bragar, Stornoway.

7… Arthur Harold ROWE (26), Ordinary Seaman (no. J/53425), HMAV Otway, Royal Navy, †22/07/1917, Only son of Arthur and Susan Rowe, of 13, Salisbury Avenue, Colchester.

8… Peter STEWART, Seaman (no. 2275A), HMAV Otway, Royal Naval Reserve, †22/07/1917.

9… John VASS, (24), Seaman (no. 4874A), HMAV Otway, Royal Naval Reserve, †22/07/1917, Son c Alexander and Helen Vass, of 8, New st Shandwick, Fearn, Ross-shire.

10… Peter WOOD (24), Seaman (no. 8790A), HMAV Otway, Royal Naval Reserve, †22/07/1917, Son of Joseph and Rachel Wood, of Townfoot, Coldingham, Berwickshire.

On September 3, 1917, the “Otway” register was officially closed!

Specifications & Details of the S.S. Otway:

Name: S.S. Otway.

1914: H.M.S. Otway.

Namesake: Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia.

Type: Ocean Liner.

1914: Armed Merchant Cruiser.

Owner & Operator: Orient Steam Navigation Company.

August 1914: Admiralty Requisition.

Builder: Fairfield Shipbuilding & Eng Co, Glasgow.

Yard N°: 459.

Launched: November 21, 1908.

Sea Trials: May 26, 1909.

Port of Registry: Glasgow, UK.

Identification:

Delivered: May 29, 1909.

Maiden Voyage: July 9, 1909.

Official UK Number: 128282.

Code Letters: HPFC.

Call Sign: MOH.

Tonnage: 12,077 GRT, 6,690 NRT.

Length: 535.9 ft - 163.3 m.

Beam: 63.2 ft - 19.3 m.

Draught: 38 ft - 10.42 m.

Installed Power: 2,000 NHP, 14, IHP, 10,000 SHP

Propulsion: 2 x 4 cyl. Quadruple expansion steam engines.

Propellers: Twin screws, 14,000 IHP.

Speed: 18 knots service speed - 18.5 knots maximum.

Accommodations: Total: 1,095 passengers. 280 First Class,

. 115 Second Class, 700 Third Class.

Crew: 376.

Refrigerated Space: 91,000 cubic Feet.

WW1: November 1914 - converted to an “Armed Merchant Cruiser”.

Fate: Sunk by torpedo on July 22-23, 1917.

Notes: four sister ships all delivered in 1909.

. Ship 1. Orsova, 3. Osterley, 4. Otranto & 5. Orvieto.

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Remembering the Remarkable, but Short Days

of the Orient Liner - S.S. Otway

A fine photograph of the S.S. Otway departing Melbourne for the last time

Provided by Mark. J. Matheson (Bendigo VIC)

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