Brecknockshire
Ship Number
453
Vessel Type
Cargo Ship
Built
Belfast
Slip Number
9
Launch Date
September 12, 1916
Delivered
January 11, 1917
Owner
Royal Mail Steam Packet Co
Weight
8422 grt
BP Length
470 feet
Breadth
60 feet
No. of Screws
Single
Speed (approx)
12 knots
Propulsion
2 x quadruple expansion engine
Official No.
136359
Registered
Belfast
Fate
Sank
Brecknockshire

Brecknockshire was built in 1916 by Harland & Wolff at Belfast with a tonnage of 8422grt, a length of 480ft, a beam of 59ft 3in and a service speed of 12 knots. The keel was actually laid on 9th February 1914 but construction was delayed for a year and she wasn't launched until 12th September 1916 for Shire Line. She commenced operations on 11th January 1917 on the River Plate service and on 15th February, during her maiden voyage with a cargo of coal, was captured by the German raider Mowe in the South Atlantic. The 90 crew members were taken off and the ship sunk with bombs placed inside the hull. The crew were eventually taken back to Germany and interred as POW's.