Dates: 1940 - 1971

In January 1940, the motor passenger ship Southern Prince of Furness, Withy & Co Ltd, Liverpool (Prince Line, used in the New York - Argentina service) was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and converted to an auxiliary minelayer. On 5 Jun, 1940, the ship was commissioned and joined the 1st Minelaying Squadron. She laid a mine barrage across the Northern Approaches and was the headquarters ship of Rear-Admiral Rivett-Carnet during Operation Neptune, the naval part of the landings in the Normandy. On 7 Jun, 1944, the HMS Southern Prince had left the Solent in convoy EWP-1 and anchored off Juno beach on the following day. After October 1944, she was used as accommodation ship and ended the war as a fleet training ship in the Pacific. 1945 returned to owner.

On 1 Apr, 1947 sold to Italy, renamed Anna C. for G. Costa fu Andrea, Genoa and entered service on the Italy-South America route in March 1948. In 1951/52 the ship was re-engined and the accommodation was upgraded for cruise voyages. After a serious fire in 1971, she was sold for scrap and broken up at La Spezia the following year.

Memories of HMS Southern Prince

HMS Southern Prince in 2009
Written by Malcolm Mabbott

"Could any one help me as I am Trying to find out more information about my Father in laws servis on board the H M S Southern Prince. His name was Henry Charles Edward Ellis,also know as Harry, He was a Stoker and he also worked at laying the mines. His best mate was killed whilst laying a mine as he was dragged overboard with a mine. Henry was also wounded and spent a long time in Hospital. "

View your bookmarks