SS Stratheden

{{Infobox ship | image = | caption = | image2 = [[File:SS_Stratheden_2.jpg] | caption2 = | shipname = SS Strateden | shipowner = Peninsular & Orient Steam Navigation Company | shipbuilder = Vickers-Armstrong, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria | shipyardnumber = | shiplaunched = 10 Jun 1937 | shipcompleted = 16 Dec 1937 | shipinservice = 1938 | shipoutofservice = 1968 | shipinservice2 = | shipoutofservice2 = | shipreclassified = | shipID = | shipfate = sold for scrap | shiptype = Ocean Liner | shiptonnage = 23,732 tons | shiplength = 202 metres | shipbeam = 25 metres | shipdepth = | shippropulsion = twin screw | shipspeed = 20 knots | shipcapacity = 532 x 1st class, and 454 x 2nd class passengers }}

Remarks

After less than 2 years service during peace time, Stratheden was taken over by the British Ministry for War Transport and converted to a troopship. She made several trips between Australia and the Middle East in 1940, and at the conclusion of European hostilities, returned RAAF personnel from the Middle East to Australia.

In 1947, following a complete refit the Stratheden returned to its role as a mail steamer connecting Australia and India with the UK. In the early 1960's she was converted to a 'one class' cruise liner, capable f carrying 1,200 passengers. Taken out of service in early 1964, they were sold to a Greek shipping line who renamed her Henrietta Latsi and in 1966 to Marianna Latsi. In 1960 she was sent to the breakers yard at La Spezia.

Soldiers carried

Fremantle to Liverpool 31 May - 18 July 1940

• John Henry (Jack) O'Meagher
• Hubert James (Jim) Gale] 2/3rd Australian Railway Construction COmpany

Port Adelaide to El Kantara, Egypt via Colombo 17 November - 17 December 1940

• 2/48th Australian Infantry Battalion