Photo: The Late Allan Green Collection Australia
Mongolia, Yard Number 964, was ordered from Sir W G Armstrong, Whitworth & Co. Ltd. of Newcastle upon Tyne on 22 November 1918, but construction was delayed by postwar refits of existing ships and she was not launched until 24 August 1922.
A twin-screw, 6 double-reduction-geared steam turbines-driven vessel of 16,504 grt, she had a service speed of 16 knots and accommodation for 231 first class, and 180 second class passengers.
After fitting out and sea trials, she was delivered to P&O on 26 April 1923, at an estimated cost of ₤1 million.
Her maiden voyage to Sydney commenced on 11 May 1923.
Originally coal-fired, she was she was converted to oil fuel in 1928.
Mongolia was commanded by Harry Ramsey Rhodes for 9 years
Mongolia's forward dining saloon.
Mongolia's Lounge
Mongolia's Card Room
Mongolia's Smoking Room
Sir W G Armstrong, Whitworth and Company Limited, commissioned the following images of the ship, which are now the property of English Heritage.
Four-Berth, Second Class Cabin
First Class Two-Berth Cabin
Mongolia's Bridge
Starboard Boat Deck
First Class Promenade Deck
Notable incidents in her career included a collision on 16 July 1933 with the tanker British Venture and a breakwater in Copenhagen, followed by running aground; and a collision with the Villa de Madrid off Marseille on 3 December 1936.
She was laid up for sale in 1937, and transferred, under long-term charter, to the New Zealand Shipping Company, a P&O subsidiary, in 1938, renamed SS Rimutaka.
Australia and New Zealand 1936 Olympic Teams, P&O SS Mongolia dinner Menu, with a total of 44 signatures.
