RMS Olympic

RMS Olympic RMS Olympic
Official page
member of Historic ships network​©

RMS Olympic was a transatlantic ocean liner, the lead ship of the White Star Line's trio of Olympic-class liners. Unlike her younger sister ships, Olympic enjoyed a long and illustrious career, spanning 24 years from 1911 to 1935. This included service as a troopship during the First World War, which gained her the nickname "Old Reliable". Olympic returned to civilian service after the war and ser

ved successfully as an ocean liner throughout the 1920s and into the first half of the 1930s, although increased competition, and the slump in trade during the Great Depression after 1930, made her operation increasingly unprofitable.

After 24 years of service in war and in peace, RMS Olympic awaits the scrappers' torch in Southampton in 1935.Artist: Ha...
07/08/2024

After 24 years of service in war and in peace, RMS Olympic awaits the scrappers' torch in Southampton in 1935.

Artist: Harley Crossley, courtesy of THS journal.

On this day, 5 July 1911, RMS Olympic arrived in Southampton, having maintained an average speed of 22.3 knots using all...
07/08/2024

On this day, 5 July 1911, RMS Olympic arrived in Southampton, having maintained an average speed of 22.3 knots using all twenty nine boilers. On this journey it was estimated Olympic had earned her owners over £15,000.

J.P. Morgan and Lord Pirrie would both travel on Olympic's next Westbound voyage.

On this day 28 June 1911, RMS Olympic's eastbound maiden voyage commenced, carrying 731 first class, 495 second class, a...
12/07/2024

On this day 28 June 1911, RMS Olympic's eastbound maiden voyage commenced, carrying 731 first class, 495 second class, and 1,075 third class passengers.

After RMS Olympic's arrival Bruce Ismay cabled Lord Pirrie: "Olympic is a marvel and has given unbounded satisfaction." ...
02/07/2024

After RMS Olympic's arrival Bruce Ismay cabled Lord Pirrie: "Olympic is a marvel and has given unbounded satisfaction."

On RMS Olympic's second evening at New York White Star Line held a dinner on board for over 600 of their agents in the U...
23/06/2024

On RMS Olympic's second evening at New York White Star Line held a dinner on board for over 600 of their agents in the USA.

Captain Smith onboard RMS OlympicTaken after the Olympic's arrival on her maiden voyage in 1911, Captain Smith, in his "...
23/06/2024

Captain Smith onboard RMS Olympic
Taken after the Olympic's arrival on her maiden voyage in 1911, Captain Smith, in his "Summer Whites" uniform, peers out of the starboard bridge wing "cab". This shows a good view of the morse lamp and green sidelight.

Image and text provided by - www.paullee.com

The worlds largest liner enters New York at the end of her maiden voyage.
23/06/2024

The worlds largest liner enters New York at the end of her maiden voyage.

On this day, June 21 1911, RMS Olympic westbound transatlantic crossing officially ended at 2:24 a.m. when the ship pass...
23/06/2024

On this day, June 21 1911, RMS Olympic westbound transatlantic crossing officially ended at 2:24 a.m. when the ship passed the Ambrose Channel Light Vessel, RMS
Olympic was the largest ship in the world, and the first ship of the Olympic Class Liners.

Olympic's maiden voyage attracted considerable worldwide attention from the press and public. Following her arrival in New York, Olympic was opened up to the public and received over 8,000 visitors. More than 10,000 spectators watched her depart from New York harbor, for her first return trip.

During her third crossing, an observer of the Cunard Line was on board, in search of ideas for a new ship for the company RMS Aquitania by inspecting various installations on board.

A message from Capt. Smith was sent on June 19 1911 which read:On Board RMS Olympic, via Cape Race, 9:30a.m., June 19, 1...
19/06/2024

A message from Capt. Smith was sent on June 19 1911 which read:

On Board RMS Olympic, via Cape Race, 9:30a.m., June 19, 1911
Up to this hour the Olympic has exceeded the speed promised by her builders, her average from noon Saturday to noon Sunday being 21.89 knots. Since passing Daunt’s Rock at 4:22p.m. Thursday she has done the following: To noon Friday, 458 knots; to noon Saturday, 524 knots; to noon Sunday 542 knots. Weather fine. Present weather outlook less favorable. At this writing all going smoothly.

On June 15 1911, at 4:22 p.m. the westbound transatlantic crossing officially began when RMS Olympic passed the Daunt’s ...
15/06/2024

On June 15 1911, at 4:22 p.m. the westbound transatlantic crossing officially began when RMS Olympic passed the Daunt’s Rock Light Vessel outside the harbor of Queenstown.

On this day, June 15 1911, RMS Olympic arrived at Queenstown, Olympic was late in arriving and dropped anchor around 2:3...
15/06/2024

On this day, June 15 1911, RMS Olympic arrived at Queenstown, Olympic was late in arriving and dropped anchor around 2:30 p.m. more passengers and mail were picked up. Some passengers would step off at Queenstown.

RMS Olympic's first stop was at Cherbourg, Olympic arrived by 7:30p.m. picking up passengers and mail.About two hours la...
15/06/2024

RMS Olympic's first stop was at Cherbourg, Olympic arrived by 7:30p.m. picking up passengers and mail.

About two hours later RMS Olympic would depart Cherbourg, on her way to Queenstown.

On this day, June 14 1911, RMS Olympic's maiden voyage began around noon, departing from Southampton and calling at Cher...
15/06/2024

On this day, June 14 1911, RMS Olympic's maiden voyage began around noon, departing from Southampton and calling at Cherbourg later that evening. The maiden voyage was captained by Edward Smith who would lose his life the following year in the RMS Titanic disaster.

Designer Thomas Andrews was present for the passage to New York and return, along with a number of engineers and J. Bruce Ismay (chairman of the White Star Line), as part of Harland and Wolff's "Guarantee Group" to spot any problems or areas for improvement.

Nice view of RMS Olympic, before the maiden voyage.Clive Sweetingham Collection
12/06/2024

Nice view of RMS Olympic, before the maiden voyage.

Clive Sweetingham Collection

On this day, 9 June 1911, Captain Edward John Smith and Lord William James Pirrie stand next to the gymnasium on the sta...
10/06/2024

On this day, 9 June 1911, Captain Edward John Smith and Lord William James Pirrie stand next to the gymnasium on the starboard side of the boat deck.

On 3 June 1911, RMS Olympic arrived at Southampton. Until her departure she would become a hive of activity as food and ...
03/06/2024

On 3 June 1911, RMS Olympic arrived at Southampton. Until her departure she would become a hive of activity as food and provisions, cutlery and crockery, linen and towels were embarked. In addition was the dirty task of coaling the bunkers.

Text provided by Patrick Mylon / The Unseen Olympic

On this day, 3 June 1911, RMS Olympic arrived at Southampton early in the morning. Work was still going on at the White ...
03/06/2024

On this day, 3 June 1911, RMS Olympic arrived at Southampton early in the morning. Work was still going on at the White Star dock and she berthed bow-first.

On this day June 2 1911, shortly after midnight, RMS Olympic departed Liverpool for Southampton.
02/06/2024

On this day June 2 1911, shortly after midnight, RMS Olympic departed Liverpool for Southampton.

On this day, 1 June 1911, RMS Olympic would arrive in Liverpool for a courtesy call. There she would be open to the publ...
01/06/2024

On this day, 1 June 1911, RMS Olympic would arrive in Liverpool for a courtesy call. There she would be open to the public for a fee to go to local charities.

Meanwhile, Nomadic and Traffic would be headed for the port of Cherbourg to await RMS Olympic's arrival.

On May 31 1911, at 4:15pm RMS Olympic would depart Belfast for Liverpool, after the successful launch of her sister ship...
01/06/2024

On May 31 1911, at 4:15pm RMS Olympic would depart Belfast for Liverpool, after the successful launch of her sister ship RMS Titanic.

On this day, May 31 1911, RMS Olympic was officially handed over to White Star Line, after the successful sea trials.
01/06/2024

On this day, May 31 1911, RMS Olympic was officially handed over to White Star Line, after the successful sea trials.

RMS Olympic's sea trials extended over two days. The results achieved met and exceeded the expectations of the builders ...
01/06/2024

RMS Olympic's sea trials extended over two days. The results achieved met and exceeded the expectations of the builders and owners.

Information with regards to the speed, power, consumption, and various other things were not made available to the public, it is known that a speed of 21 knots was exceeded, and speeds of 21½ and 21¾ knots were recorded during the tests.

The White Star tenders Nomadic and Traffic were in attendance with Olympic during her trials. The Mersey tugs Wallasey, Alexandra, Hornby, and Herculaneum, and Messrs. Harland & Wolff’s tug Hercules assisted Olympic during the sea trails.

Photo Copyright: © National Museums Northern Ireland

During RMS Olympic's sea trials, Robert Welch would capture this photograph of RMS Olympic.Copyright: © National Museums...
01/06/2024

During RMS Olympic's sea trials, Robert Welch would capture this photograph of RMS Olympic.

Copyright: © National Museums Northern Ireland

This photo was taken onboard RMS Olympic looking back on RMS Titanic under the gantry.May 29th 1911 the day of Olympics ...
01/06/2024

This photo was taken onboard RMS Olympic looking back on RMS Titanic under the gantry.

May 29th 1911 the day of Olympics sea trials.

Copyright: © National Museums Northern Ireland

On this day, 29 May 1911, RMS Olympic began her sea trials, during which her maneuverability, compass, and wireless tele...
01/06/2024

On this day, 29 May 1911, RMS Olympic began her sea trials, during which her maneuverability, compass, and wireless telegraphy were tested. No speed test was carried out.

A Belfast shipworker admiring RMS Olympic on May 28 1911Copyright: © National Museums Northern Ireland
01/06/2024

A Belfast shipworker admiring RMS Olympic on May 28 1911

Copyright: © National Museums Northern Ireland

On this day 27 May 1911, RMS Olympic was opened to the public at a cost of 5s per person in aid of local Belfast hospita...
01/06/2024

On this day 27 May 1911, RMS Olympic was opened to the public at a cost of 5s per person in aid of local Belfast hospitals.

On this day, 15 May 1934, RMS Olympic accidently rammed the Nantucket Lightship LV-117. On the approach to New York, RMS...
01/06/2024

On this day, 15 May 1934, RMS Olympic accidently rammed the Nantucket Lightship LV-117. On the approach to New York, RMS Olympic, inbound in heavy fog, was homing in on the radio beacon of Nantucket.

Now under the command of Captain John W. Binks, the ship failed to turn in time and sliced through the smaller vessel, which broke apart and sank. Four of the lightship's crew went down with the vessel and seven were rescued, three others died later from their injuries, there were seven fatalities out of a crew of eleven.

Painting by Charles Mazoujian. Commissioned by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) as part of the U. S. Bicentennial in 1976. A copy of this painting is on display at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum thanks to the generosity of the USCG.

RMS Olympic passes the Nantucket Lightship.LV-117 was a light vessel of the United states Lighthouse service. LV-117 lau...
01/06/2024

RMS Olympic passes the Nantucket Lightship.

LV-117 was a light vessel of the United states Lighthouse service. LV-117 launched in 1931, she operated as the Nantucket lightship south of Nantucket Shoals. She moored south of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, the lightship was at the western part of the transatlantic shipping lane and the first lightship encountered by westbound liners approaching New York Harbor.

🎨 by Barry Spicer

On this day, 12 May 1918, RMS Olympic, while serving as HMT Olympic, she rammed and sank the German submarine U-103. Oly...
24/05/2024

On this day, 12 May 1918, RMS Olympic, while serving as HMT Olympic, she rammed and sank the German submarine U-103. Olympic was on her twenty-second voyage as a troopship.

Olympic's gunners opened fire immediately, and the ship turned to ram the submarine, which immediately crash dived to 30m (98 ft) and turned to a parallel course.

Almost immediately afterwards Olympic struck the submarine just aft of her conning tower with her port propeller slicing through U-103's pressure hull. The crew of U-103 blew her ballast tanks, scuttled and abandoned the submarine. Olympic did not stop to pick up survivors, but continued on to Cherbourg.

Meanwhile, USS Davis had sighted a distress flare and picked up 31 survivors from U-103. Olympic returned to Southampton with at least two hull plates dented and her prow twisted to one side, but not breached. It was subsequently discovered that U-103 had been preparing to torpedo Olympic when she was sighted, but the crew were not able to flood the two stern torpedo tubes. For his service, Captain Hayes was awarded the DSO.

🎨 by Barry Spicer

Address


OFFICIAL

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RMS Olympic posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

"OLYMPIC" RAMS LIGHTSHIP - British Pathé
"OLYMPIC" RAMS LIGHTSHIP - British Pathé

"OLYMPIC" RAMS LIGHTSHIP - The 47,000-ton liner cuts right through the "Nantucket" in a dense fog." New York, United States of America (USA). Several shots of huge liner 'Olympic' at a dock in New York. Several shots of the members of the crew of destroyed lightship Nantucket, one of the men has bandaged head. Captain of the liner is standing with them. Men state that all happened so quickly and in the fog and they could not tell at this stage what went wrong. The Captain says that he and his crew did all they could to help the survivors. Injured man confirms it. FILM ID:787.19 A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE OUR ONLINE CHANNEL, BRITISH PATHÉ TV. IT'S FULL OF GREAT DOCUMENTARIES, FASCINATING INTERVIEWS, AND CLASSIC MOVIES. http://www.britishpathe.tv/ FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT http://www.britishpathe.com/ British Pathé also represents the Reuters historical collection, which includes more than 136,000 items from the news agencies Gaumont Graphic (1910-1932), Empire News Bulletin (1926-1930), British Paramount (1931-1957), and Gaumont British (1934-1959), as well as Visnews content from 1957 to the end of 1984. All footage can be viewed on the British Pathé website. https://www.britishpathe.com/

RMS Olympic Nantucket Collision 1934
RMS Olympic Nantucket Collision 1934

Video interview about RMS Olympic collision with Nantucket lightship

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Alerts
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?

Share