Wasilef-Constantinos (1918)

"WASILEF-CONSTANTINOS"
Transport Auxilliaire Français de 1er Rang.

Vintage postcard of WW I era, dated March 25, 1918 and carried privately to Belfast. Depicts ocean liner "Vasilefs Constantinos" (King Constantine) built by Cammell-Lair & Co of Birkenhead, for National Greek Line. Launched in 1915. Requisitioned by the French Government and used as a troop transport until 1918, when it was retured to National Greek Line for the Piraeus-New York service, under Greek flag. Renamed "Megalli Hellas" for political reasons in 1919. In 1923 transferred to Byron Steamship Company, as "Byron" under British flag. Returned to Greek flag in 1928, operated until 1935 and scrapped in Italy in 1937.

Technical characteristics: length 470 ft, beam 58 ft, 9272 tn, quadruple expansion steam engines, 2 screws, service speed 17 knots. In passenger service it carried 2310 passengers (60 1st, 450 2nd, 1800 3rd).