Cunard caught in crossfire of WWI

In 1914, Cunard was unusual in having two large steamers constructed with a loan from the British taxpayer, and in being paid an annual subsidy, against their potential use as auxiliary cruisers, writes Dr Steve Cobb

Prior to 1905, Cunard had been one of several shipping companies in receipt of subsidies for that purpose, for which construction details (such as provision to fit guns, protection of boilers and machinery spaces, and underwater steering gear) were agreed with the Admiralty.

In August, 1914, the Admiralty could have used clauses in the (separate) Royal Mail postal contracts to buy or charter the ships it required. In the event, following advice from Cunard’s deputy chairman, Thomas Royden (and White Star’s manager, Lionel Fletcher), it requisitioned them.