Bronze Age Gold from Wales

Starboard broadside view of S.S. CLAN LAMONT at Cardiff Docks. CLAN BRODIE also in image.

S.S. CLAN LAMONT. Built 1939 by Greenock Dockyard Co., Greenock (with a split bridge) for Clan Line Steamers Ltd., managed by Cayzer, Irvine & Co Ltd. She was powered by two triple expansion engines by J.G. Kincaid, and Bauer-Wach low pressure turbines driving twin screws. 1942 – Requisitioned by the Admiralty, renamed HMS LAMONT, and used as a Landing ship. 1945 – Renamed HMS ARDPATRICK and fitted with extra accommodation for troop carrying. 1947 – Returned to Clan Line (Cayzer, Irvine) and rebuilt to original configuration. Renamed CLAN LAMONT and returned to service in 1948. 1961 – Assigned to King Line Ltd (same managers) for her final voyage. She was broken up at Mihara, Japan, in August of that year.

S.S. CLAN BRODIE. Laid down as Cameron class steamer CLAN BRODIE for the Clan Line, but requisitioned by the Admiralty while still on the stocks, and completed 1940 by Greenock & Grangemouth Dockyard Co., Greenock, as Air Transport ship, HMS ATHENE. She was fitted with a single catapult and was capable of carrying 40 seaplanes. 1946 – Rebuilt as a merchant vessel (with a split bridge), renamed CLAN BRODIE, and finally delivered to Clan Line Steamers Ltd, managed by Cayzer, Irvine & Co Ltd. 1962 – Transferred to King Line Ltd., London. In June 1963, while at Colombo, she was sold for scrap to Hong Kong Salvage & Towage Co Ltd., and arrived at Mollers Ltd at Hong Kong in the July to be broken up.