Introduction
The USS West Carnifax (ID-3812) was a significant cargo ship in the United States Navy that served shortly after World War I. Launched in 1918, she played a vital role in transporting goods across the Atlantic and later had a storied civilian career under various names. Known for her design and construction, as well as her operational history, West Carnifax exemplifies the maritime endeavors of the United States during a pivotal era in global history. This article delves into the design and construction of the West Carnifax, her military career during World War I, her interwar years, and her eventual service during World War II, culminating in her tragic sinking in 1943.
Design and Construction
The West Carnifax was part of a series of cargo ships known as the “West ships,” built for the United States Shipping Board (USSB) to meet the demands of maritime transport during World War I. These ships were characterized by their steel hulls and robust design, making them suitable for carrying cargo across vast oceanic distances. The West Carnifax held the distinction of being the first ship constructed at Southwestern Shipbuilding in San Pedro, California.
Laid down on July 17, 1918, West Carnifax was launched on October 19 of the same year. The launch was celebrated by Marcoreta Hellman, the daughter of the yard superintendent, who served as sponsor for the vessel. Upon completion in late December 1918, she was heralded for her remarkably swift construction time of just 134 workdays—an achievement that garnered attention from local media.
Measuring 410 feet and 5 inches in length with a gross tonnage of 5,799 tons, the cargo ship was equipped with a triple-expansion steam engine that enabled her to reach speeds of up to 10.5 knots. This combination of size and speed made West Carnifax an effective vessel for transporting goods between continents during her operational lifetime.
Military Career
Commissioned into the Naval Overseas Transportation Service (NOTS) on December 31, 1918, USS West Carnifax began her military career shortly after entering service. Her first voyage commenced on January 4, 1919, when she departed San Pedro with a cargo of flour bound for Norfolk, Virginia. After arriving at Hampton Roads on March 15, West Carnifax made history by becoming the first American ship to dock at Hamburg, Germany since before the war began.
Upon completing her unloading operations in Hamburg by early April 1919, she returned to New Orleans before being decommissioned and returned to the USSB on May 9. This marked a transition from military service to commercial operations as she shifted back into civilian ownership.
Interwar Years
The interwar period saw USS West Carnifax transition to various roles under civilian ownership. After her return to the USSB, there were limited records detailing her activities; however, notable incidents included a reported towing by USCGC Tampa due to shortages of provisions and fuel while on route from Rotterdam to Galveston in early 1922.
By late 1923, she had been laid up but was reactivated and reconditioned in February 1924. Subsequently, she began operating under American Republics Lines as she transported cargoes to South America until 1927. In early 1928, West Carnifax was sold to Export Steamship Corporation and started serving under American Export Lines.
During this time, the ship gained notoriety for responding to an SOS call from an American tanker amidst a storm near the Azores but ultimately found no trace of survivors. Later that year, renamed SS Exford, she became notable for being the first American vessel to dock at a Soviet port—Novorossiysk—since World War I.
Civilian Life and Renaming
In August 1933, Exford was chartered by Shepard Line for intercoastal services between various North Atlantic ports and Pacific ports on the U.S. West Coast. The following year marked another name change as she became SS Pan Royal under Waterman Steamship Company’s subsidiary. This name change reflected new ownership structures and operational focuses.
Pan Royal’s civilian life included several notable incidents; one such event involved a collision with Cunard-White Star liner RMS Laconia in September 1934 off Cape Cod due to foggy conditions. Both ships sustained damage but fortunately no injuries were reported among their crews.
As international tensions escalated leading up to World War II, Pan Royal found herself idled due to labor disputes among longshoremen in New York in late 1939. The ship also played a part in cultural exchanges when she was engaged in transporting “Big Joe,” a statue representing Soviet workers back to the Soviet Union after its display at the New York World’s Fair.
World War II Service
The onset of World War II saw Pan Royal return to active duty as she participated in transatlantic convoys starting in June 1942. Her voyages took her between Boston and various ports in the United Kingdom and North Africa as part of broader military supply efforts. These missions were critical for logistical support during wartime operations.
Tragically, on February 7, 1943, while partaking in Convoy UGS-5 en route to North Africa, Pan Royal met with disaster when it was accidentally rammed by two other vessels—the Norwegian cargo ship Evita and an American Liberty ship named George Davis. The collision caused significant damage leading to Pan Royal’s sinking at coordinates 36°40′N 67°20′W. Out of her crew of sixty-two men aboard at that time, eight lost their lives while fifty-four survivors were rescued by USS Boyle (DD-600).
Conclusion
The USS West Carnifax reflects a rich maritime history filled with significant achievements during both wartime and peacetime operations. From its groundbreaking construction at Southwestern Shipbuilding to being decommissioned after World War I and later transitioning through various names and roles within civilian shipping lines up until its fateful end during World War II—West Carnifax serves as a testament to America’s evolving naval capabilities and economic pursuits throughout the early twentieth century.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).