SS Alaunia Passenger lists 1925-1938

The SS Alaunia of the Cunard Line, 14,030 Tons. GGA Image ID # 1d2104c996

Passenger Lists contained in the GG Archives collection represent the souvenir list provided to the passengers of each cabin class (and other classes). Many of these souvenir passenger lists have disappeared over the years. Our collection contains a sampling of what was originally produced and printed by the steamship lines.

The New Vessel from Cunard -- SS Alaunia

The most notable of the new vessels of the past month was the Cunard liner Alaunia, already mentioned. The Alaunia is a twin-screw double-reduction geared-turbine steamship of 14,000 tons gross, 11,300 S H.P. at 90 revolutions per minute, and 15 knots' speed, with accommodation for 520 first-class and 1,040 third-class passengers and a crew of 319—a total of 1,879.

She was laid down about the middle of 1920. Due to high costs and the poor trade outlook, Cunard suspended work on her six months later. When she is completed, she will have been under construction for about five years, which, as Lord Aberconway remarked at the launch, will constitute a record for Clydebank, where, as a rule, vessels are built very rapidly.

It is also worthy of notice that the three last ships built at Clydebank for the Cunard Company, the Aquitania, the Franconia, and now the Alaunia—represent a steady decrease in size.

Mr. A. C. P. Henderson drew attention to this and said that if the process continued, their next Clydebank ship would be a tug! He hoped, however, that when the time came to place another order, Cunard would make progress in the direction of the Aquitania rather than downwards from the Alaunia.

Recap and Summary of the SS Alaunia Passenger Lists (1925-1938)

The RMS Alaunia (1925) was a mid-sized Cunard liner, known for its reliable transatlantic service between Liverpool, Montréal, Québec, and London, among other major ports. Despite not being one of Cunard’s largest or most luxurious liners, the Alaunia played a crucial role in maintaining vital links between Europe and North America during the interwar years.

This collection of passenger lists from 1925 to 1938 provides insight into a dynamic period of history, reflecting shifts in global mobility, the effects of economic downturns, and the looming tensions of World War II.

 

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Most Noteworthy and Interesting Passenger Lists

1. August 21, 1925 – A High-Profile Voyage to Canada

📌 What makes it interesting?

• One of the earliest voyages of the Alaunia, this trip signified Cunard’s expansion in the Canadian market.
• Carried Sir Howard d’Egville, a key figure in British-Canadian relations, Major C. W. G. Gibson, and Dr. C. Morley Case, highlighting the political, military, and academic elite on board.
• The presence of Rev. Margaret Barnard, a female clergyman at a time when women in religious leadership were rare, adds an interesting social and gender studies perspective.

 

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2. April 21, 1933 – The Great Depression & a Shift in Class Structure

📌 What makes it interesting?

• This was a voyage from Montréal to London, carrying Cabin and Tourist Class passengers, reflecting the economic realities of the Great Depression.
• The presence of religious figures like Sister M. L. Allard and Rev. E. F. Hockley suggests a movement of missionaries or religious educators between Canada and Europe.
• Baring Gould, a renowned author and folklorist, and Dr. J. J. Green, a leading physician, highlight the intellectual diversity aboard the Alaunia.

 

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3. August 27, 1938 – One Year Before World War II

📌 What makes it interesting?

• Departing from Southampton to Québec and Montréal via Le Havre, this voyage represents the last peacetime transatlantic crossings before the outbreak of World War II.
• Notable passengers include Dr. E. A. Royston, M.D., suggesting medical professionals were traveling for work or research in preparation for the war.
• Capt. Heiland and Sister Saint Achille hint at a mix of military and religious personnel, possibly engaged in wartime readiness efforts.
• B. Evelyn-White, a scholar, adds to the intellectual and cultural significance of this voyage.

 

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Historical Significance of the SS Alaunia’s Passenger Lists

1. The Alaunia’s Role in Transatlantic Migration

• The Alaunia operated at a time when migration between Europe and North America was shifting due to the 1924 U.S. Immigration Act, which restricted American entry and led to an increase in Canadian-bound travelers.
• Its routes to Québec and Montréal made it an essential vessel for European immigrants, businessmen, and returning expatriates.

 

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2. The Economic Impact of the Great Depression (1929-1933)

• The shift from First-Class dominance to Cabin and Tourist Class reflected the economic downturn that affected who could afford transatlantic travel.
• The 1933 passenger list suggests that many travelers were seeking employment opportunities abroad or returning to Europe due to financial struggles.

 

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3. Pre-War Transatlantic Travel & The Changing Passenger Demographics (1938)

• The 1938 voyage included a mix of medical professionals, military figures, and religious leaders, indicating an increase in war-related travel before WWII.
• Many passengers may have been relocating from Europe to Canada due to the growing instability in Europe, particularly after Germany’s annexation of Austria earlier that year.

 

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Conclusion: Why This Collection is Important

• A Record of Political, Religious, and Cultural Movements: These passenger lists provide a snapshot of the political elite, military leaders, scholars, and missionaries who traveled between Europe and North America.
• A Time Capsule of Interwar Travel: The Alaunia’s history reflects the broader changes in transatlantic migration patterns, from the Roaring Twenties through the Great Depression and the prelude to WWII.
• A Rare Glimpse into the Lives of Everyday Travelers: Unlike luxury liners such as the RMS Queen Mary, the Alaunia carried a diverse range of passengers, making these lists valuable for genealogists, historians, and maritime enthusiasts.

Through these passenger lists, we gain a window into a rapidly changing world, where economic crises, shifting social structures, and geopolitical tensions shaped who traveled, where, and why.