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RMS ''Mauretania'' was launched on 28 July 1938 at the Cammell Laird yard in Birkenhead, England and was completed in May 1939. The second ''Mauretania'' was the first ship built for the newly formed Cunard White Star company following the merger in April 1934 of the Cunard and White Star lines. On the withdrawal of the first ''Mauretania'' in 1934, in order to prevent a rival company using the name and to keep it available for the new liner, arrangements were made for the Red Funnel paddle steamer ''Queen'' to be renamed ''Mauretania'' in the interim.〔Adams, R B. () Red Funnel and Before. Kingfisher Publications〕 The new liner had a tonnage of 35,739 gross, an overall length of and a beam of and had a exterior design similar to the ''Queen Elizabeth''. The vessel was powered by two sets of Parsons single reduction-geared steam turbines giving 42,000 shaft horsepower and driving twin propellers. Her service speed was with a maximum speed of 26 knots. == Design and construction (1937–1939) == The second ''Mauretania'' was built by Cammell Laird of Birkenhead and was the largest ship built in England at that time. She was also the first new ship delivered to the combined Cunard White Star Line. ''Mauretania'' was laid down on 24 May 1937 as Yard Number 1029. This new medium sized Cunarder was launched on 28 July 1938 by Lady Bates, wife of the Cunard White Star chairman. She was named ''Mauretania'' to honour the previous record breaking ''Mauretania'' which had been retired in 1935. The ship was designed for the London to New York service and was the largest vessel ever to navigate the River Thames and use the Royal Docks. She was also intended to stand in for one of the Cunard Queens when they were undergoing maintenance. "This is a red letter day, not only for me but for Merseyside. The launch of the largest ship that has ever been built in England. I hope that like her namesake she may work her way into the affections of all who have to do with her on both sides of the Atlantic. To the ship and all who serve or sail in her I wish all good fortune. I name you Mauretania." Words of Lady Bates, the wife of Cunard White Star chairman Sir Percy Bates at the launch ceremony on 28 July 1938. The new ''Mauretanias smart and stylish accommodation marked a further enhancement to the standards of cabins, public rooms and general facilities provided for passengers of all grades by Cunard White Star Line. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「RMS Mauretania (1938)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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