Donaldson Atlantic Line Archives: Passenger Lists & Maritime History (1930s)
Created in the mid-1930s, Donaldson Atlantic Line from the combination of Anchor Line and Donaldson Line. This line was only in service during the 1930s. After World War II, the steamship line resumed operations under the name Donaldson Line.
Donaldson Atlantic Line Ephemera
1938-09-02 SS Athenia Passenger List
- Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
- Date of Departure: 2 September 1938
- Route: Glasgow to Québec and Montréal via Belfast and Liverpool
- Commander: Captain James Cook
Recap and Summary of the Donaldson Atlantic Line Archival Collection
The Donaldson Atlantic Line Archival Collection is a concise yet valuable historical resource documenting a short-lived but notable transatlantic steamship company of the 1930s. The Donaldson Atlantic Line was formed from a merger of Anchor Line and Donaldson Line and operated briefly before World War II disrupted commercial ocean travel. After the war, the company rebranded as Donaldson Line, continuing its maritime legacy.
Although the available records for this collection are limited, they provide insight into transatlantic passenger travel just before World War II. This collection is particularly relevant to:
- Genealogists – Passenger lists offer key details for those tracing ancestors who emigrated from Scotland, Ireland, and England to Canada.
- Historians – The collection provides a glimpse into pre-war maritime travel, including ships, routes, and key figures like Captain James Cook of the SS Athenia.
- Teachers & Students – Can be used as primary source material for studying 1930s transatlantic migration, maritime commerce, and the impact of World War II on ocean liners.
- Maritime Enthusiasts – Provides insights into the short-lived Donaldson Atlantic Line, a rare and often overlooked shipping company.
Notable and Most Interesting Content
1. Passenger List – SS Athenia (September 2, 1938)
- Why it’s interesting: This passenger list documents a voyage from Glasgow to Québec and Montréal, with stops in Belfast and Liverpool, just one year before World War II erupted.
- Relevance: This voyage holds special significance as SS Athenia was the first British ship sunk by Germany during World War II on September 3, 1939, one year after this sailing.
Final Thoughts
Although the Donaldson Atlantic Line had a brief operational history, this collection offers valuable insights into transatlantic travel in the 1930s, particularly with the SS Athenia’s significance in World War II history. This resource is essential for those researching pre-war migration, maritime commerce, and ocean liner history.
