Hundreds ofEmpire ships were employed by theGovernment of the United Kingdom.[1] They were acquired from a number of sources: many were built for the government; others obtained from theUnited States; still others were captured or seized from enemy powers. Empire ships were mostly used duringWorld War II by theMinistry of War Transport (MoWT), which owned the ships but contracted out their management to various shipping lines; however, some ships requisitioned during theSuez Crisis were also named as Empire ships. Most Empire ships have since been lost or scrapped; however, a few still remain in active service or preserved.
Empire Tadpole was a 1,752GRTtanker built as acargo ship bySunderland Shipbuilding Co. Completed in 1910 asSaskatoon. Sold in 1927 toCanada Steamship Lines and renamedRosemount. On 24 November 1934, she sank at Century Coal Dock,Montreal. She was raised on 15 May 1934, declared a constructive total loss and sold for use as agrain store. In 1940 she was sold to Branch Lines Ltd, rebuilt as a tanker and renamedWillowbranch. In 1945 she was sold to the MoWT and renamedEmpire Tadpole. Sold in 1947 to Bulk Storage Co Ltd,London and renamedBasingcreek. Sold in 1950 to Coastal Tankers Ltd, Montreal and renamedCoastal Creek. Sold in 1964 to Canadian Sealakers Ltd,Edmundston,New Brunswick. Sold in 1964 to Hall Corporation of Canada and renamedCreek Transport. Sold in 1968 to McNamara CorporationOntario and renamedÎle de Montreal. Sold in 1976 to Richelieu Dredging Corporation, Montreal, then sold in 1977 to Nittolo Metal Corporation,Quebec. Reported to have been scrapped in 1986.[2]
Empire Taff was a steel-hulledcargosteamship. She was built inGermany in 1927 forDampfschifffahrts-Gesellschaft „Neptun“ asApollo. In 1945 the United Kingdom seized her as war reparations, and renamed herEmpire Taff. In 1947 the UK government sold her to a Scottish shipping company, which renamed herAlhama. She was scrapped in Scotland in 1953.
She was the second of threeDG „Neptun“ ships to be named after theancient Greek godApollo. The first was an iron-hulled steamship that was built by Möller & Holberg,Stettin, in 1883,requisitioned by theImperial German Navy in 1914,[3][4] and last recorded inLloyd's Register in 1920.[5] The third was amotor ship that was built by Nobiskrug GmbH,Rendsburg,West Germany in 1957,[6][4] sold and renamedPeliki in 1972,[7] and scrapped in 1984.[4]
Empire Tagalam was a 10,401 GRT tanker built by F Schichau,Danzig. Completed in 1936 asPaul Harneit for Deutsche-Amerikanische Petroleum,Hamburg. Seized in May 1945 atBrunsbüttel. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tagalam. Allocated in 1946 to the United States, transferred to theUnited States Maritime Commission (USMC). Sold in 1947 to Marine Transport Lines,New York and renamedTagalam. Sold in 1955 to Pioneer Shipping Corp,Liberia and renamedCassian Sea. Scrapped in 1960 atSplit,Yugoslavia.[8]
Empire Taganax was a 10,128 GRT tanker built by Nakskov Skibs. Akt.,Nakskov, Denmark. Completed in 1940 forA P Moller,Copenhagen. Seized by Germany in 1940 and renamedHydra. Seized in May 1945 in an extensively damaged condition atKiel. Repaired, to MoWT in 1946 and renamedEmpire Taganax. Sold in 1947 to St Helier Shipowners and renamedBusen Star. Operated under the management of Falkland Whaling Co, London. Scrapped in 1961 atRotterdam, Netherlands.[8]
Empire Tagathel was the intended name of a 10,802 GRT tanker built byBurmeister & Wain, Copenhagen. Launched in 1940 asThéodora for Compagnie Auxiliare de Navigation,Paris. Seized by Germany and completed in 1941 asHeide for J T Essberger, Hamburg. Seized in May 1945 at Kiel. To MoWT, intended to be renamedEmpire Tagathel but transferred to theFrench government and then returned to Compagnie Auliliare de Navigation and renamedThéodora. Sold in 1960 to Société Anonyme Monegasque D'Armement de Navigation,Monte Carlo and renamedIsly. Sold in 1961 to C Audibert, Monte Carlo and renamedOrval. Used as an oil storage anddepot ship atDjibouti by Société de Travaux Transportes Maritimes, Paris. Scrapped in February 1965 at Split, Yugoslavia.
Empire Tagealand was a 6,492 GRT tanker built by AG Weser, Bremen. Completed in 1927 asMittelmeer for J T Essberger, Hamburg. Requisitioned by theKriegsmarine in 1940. Seized in May 1945 at Brunsbüttel. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tagealand. Allocated in 1946 toUSSR and renamedPamir. Removed from shipping registers in 1961.[9]
Empire Tageos was a 6,487 GRT tanker built by AG Weser, Bremen. Completed in 1927 asAdria for J T Essberger, Hamburg. Requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine in 1940. Seized in May 1945 at Kiel. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tageos. Allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedKazbek. Sold in 1947 to Gdynia America Line,Poland and renamedKarpaty. Scrapped in 1958 atSpezia, Italy.[9]
Empire Taginda was a 2,846 GRT tanker built byF Krupp AG, Kiel. Completed in 1922 asRudolph Albrecht for Max Albrecht Kommandit, Hamburg. Requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine in 1940. Seized in May 1945 at Kiel. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Taginda. Sold in 1947 to Salvedor Co Ltd and renamedBasingstream. Operated under the management of Philip Bauer, London. Sold in 1949 to Ship Finance & Management Ltd, London and renamedOilstream. Sold in 1952 to George Nicolau Ltd, Greece and renamedVrissi. Scrapped in November 1960 at Spezia, Italy.[9]
Empire Tagralia was a 5,824 GRT tanker built byKockums Mekaniska Verksted,Malmö. Completed in 1929 asMax Albrecht for Max Albrecht Kommandit, Hamburg. On 30 August 1939, she sailed fromHouston and put intoEl Ferrol where she was interned. Surrendered in May 1945, to MoWT and renamedEmpire Tagralia. Sold in 1947 to Basra Steam Shipping Co, London and renamedRepton. Sold in 1952 toLloyd Siciliano di Armamento,Palermo and renamedAlcantara. Scrapped in September 1960 atVado Ligure, Italy.[9]
Empire Taj was a 3,065 GRT tanker built by theToledo Shipbuilding Company,Toledo, Ohio. Completed in 1912 asL V Stoddard. Sold in 1914 to Sinclair Navigation Co, USA and renamedWalter Hardcastle. RenamedW L Connelly in 1917. Sold in 1938 to Enrico Insom, Italy and renamedBarbara. Seized on 25 August 1941 by theRoyal Navy atBandar Shapur, Iran. Towed toKarachi, Pakistan. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Taj. Laid up in 1948 atAbadan, Iran. Sold in October 1949 to thePakistan Navy and renamedAttock. Used as a fuel hulk at Karachi.[9]
Empire Takoradi was a 7,318 GRT cargo ship built by William Gray & Co Ltd,West Hartlepool. Launched on 29 December 1944 and completed in March 1945. Sold in 1948 to A Weir & Co Ltd and renamedShielbank. Sold in 1956 to Compagnia de Navigazione Andes,Panama. Operated under the management of F D'Amico, Italy. Sold in 1962 to Compagnia Baleniera Italiana SpA, Italy. Arrived on 2 November 1964 at Spezia, Italy for scrapping.[10]
Empire Talisman was a 7,201 GRT cargo ship built byLithgows Ltd,Port Glasgow. Launched on 20 April 1944 and completed in June 1944. Sold in 1949 toBlue Star Line and renamedTacoma Star. Sold in 1957 toLamport & Holt Line and renamedMurillo. Arrived on 16 March 1961 atVigo, Spain for scrapping.[11]
Empire Tamar was a 6,640 cargo ship built by Workman, Clark & Co Ltd,Belfast. Completed in 1907 asKia Ora. Sold in 1935 to Achille Lauro & Co,Naples and renamedVerbania. Detained on 10 June 1940 atPort Said, Egypt by theSuez Canal authorities. Seized in July 1940 atHaifa,Palestine. To MoWT in 1941 and renamedEmpire Tamar. Sunk in June 1944 as part ofGooseberry 5,Sword Beach,Ouistreham,Calvados.[12]
Empire Tana was a 6,275 GRT cargo ship built byStabilimento Tecnico Triestino,Trieste. Completed in 1923 asCarso forLloyd Triestino. Scuttled on 14 February 1941 atKismayu,Italian Somaliland when port wascaptured by British forces. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tana. On 9 February 1944 she was extensively damaged in a multiple collision in fog offCasablanca,Morocco. The other ships involved wereDunav,Jaarstroom,Shirrabank andWinsum.Empire Tana was declared not worthy of repair. Sunk in June 1944 as part of Gooseberry 5, Sword Beach, Ouistreham. Wreck raised in 1947 and towed bytugZealandia toStrangford Lough, Northern Ireland for scrapping.[12]
Empire Tapley was a 305 GRTcoastal tanker built by I Pimblott & Sons Ltd,Northwich. Launched on 12 August 1944 and completed in January 1945. Sold in 1946 to A/S Tankskibsrederiet, Denmark and renamedHaifa. Operated under the management of K V Tersling, Denmark. Sold in 1957 to Rederi A/B Castor, Sweden. Rebuilt and lengthened, now 365 GRT (536DWT), renamedNord. Sold in 1960 to S P Christensen, Denmark and renamedSoren Rask. A newdiesel engine was fitted in 1964. Sold in 1973 to Argonaftis Argo Maritime, Greece and renamedDoriforos. Sold in 1980 to Cyprus Star Shipping Co,Cyprus and renamedCyprus Star. RenamedNewluck in 1981. Scrapped in December 1986 atBarry, Wales.[13]
Empire Tarne was the intended name of an 8,800 GRT cargo ship built byBremer Vulkan Schiff- und Maschinenbau,Vegesack. Completed in 1913 asSierra Salvada. Sold in 1917 toLloyd Brasileiro, Brazil and renamedAvare. Sold in 1925 to Società Servizi Marittimi, Italy and renamedPeer Gynt thenNeptunia. Sold in 1927 toHamburg America Line and renamedOceana. Requisitioned in 1940 by the Kriegsmarine. Used as anAccommodation ship atGdynia and thenStettin. Seized in May 1945 at Flensburg and reflagged to the United Kingdom. Damaged on 13 October 1945 nearHeligoland (54°00′N07°52′E / 54.000°N 7.867°E /54.000; 7.867) by amine while repatriating German internees to Hamburg. Towed to Hamburg and repaired. Intended to be renamedEmpire Tarne in 1946 but allocated to USSR and renamedSibir. Used as adepot ship on the Soviet Pacific coast. Scrapped in 1963 atVladivostok.[9]
Empire Tarpon was a 6,216 GRT cargo ship built byGroton Iron Works,Groton,Connecticut. Completed in 1920 atHopatcong for theUnited States Shipping Board (USSB). Sold in 1930 to Jersey American Steamship Corp. Sold in March 1931 to Boston I & M Co, resold to Shephard Steamship Co,Boston and renamedHarpoon. To MoWT in 1940 and renamedEmpire Tarpon. On 6 October 1942 she was in distress 500 nautical miles (930 km) west ofLewis,Outer Hebrides (57°20′N15°09′W / 57.333°N 15.150°W /57.333; -15.150). Taken in tow but abandoned on 13 October and sank on 14 October 20 nautical miles (37 km) west ofSouth Uist, Hebrides (57°24′N07°45′W / 57.400°N 7.750°W /57.400; -7.750).[14]
Empire Tavistock was a 798 GRT coastal tanker built byGrangemouth Dockyard Co Ltd,Grangemouth. Launched on 29 January 1945 and completed in April 1945. Sold in 1946 to Van Castricum & Co Ltd, London and renamedSobat. Sold in 1951 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd and renamedAllegrity. On 13 December 1961 she ran aground at Greeb Point, to the west ofDodman Point,Cornwall. Refloated by the tide, drifted and grounded atVeryan Beach. Capsized on 22 December and declared a total loss. On Veryan Beach, her 14 crewmen were rescued by the Falmouth lifeboat.[15][16][17]
Empire Tavoy was a 7,381 GRT cargo ship built byWilliam Doxford & Sons Ltd, Sunderland. Launched on 2 October 1944 and completed in February 1945. Sold in 1946 to Leeds Shipping Co and renamedGreat City. Operated under the management of Reardon Smith Line Ltd. Sold in 1964 to Taiship Co Ltd,Hong Kong and renamedShipwind. Sold in 1968 to Southern Shipping & Enterprises Co Ltd, Hong Kong and renamedWing Kwong. Sold in 1970 to Poon Shun Po, Hong Kong and reflagged toSomalia. Scrapped in June 1975 inShanghai.[18]
Empire Taw was a 1,499 GRT cargo ship built by Hawthorns & Co,Leith. Completed in 1921 asLondon for Dundee, Perth and London Shipping Co Ltd. Requisitioned in 1942 by MoWT and transferred to theAdmiralty. To Royal Navy as HMSHoldfast. Converted to an auxiliary cable and pipelaying vessel for use inOperation Pluto. To MoWT in 1946 and renamedEmpire Taw. Scrapped in 1952 inCork.[19]
Empire Teak was a 244 GRT tug built by Henry Scarr Ltd,Hessle. Launched on 21 December 1941 and completed in April 1942. Sold in 1950 to Alexandra Towing Co Ltd and renamedBrambles. Sold in 1969 to Northern Slipway Ltd,Dublin. Scrapped in October 1961 atBriton Ferry,West Glamorgan.[20]
Empire Tedassa was a 950 GRT coastal tanker built by Sir J Laing & Sons Ltd, Sunderland. Launched on 8 September 1945 and completed in December 1945. Sold in 1947 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd and renamedFossarina. Sold in 1950 to F T Everard & Sons Ltd and renamedAmity. Scrapped in 1965 atGreat Yarmouth,Norfolk.[21]
Empire Tedburgh was a 950 GRT coastal tanker built byShort Brothers Ltd, Sunderland. Launched on 4 February 1946 and completed in June 1946 asDovedale H for J Harker (Coasters) Ltd. Sold in 1953 toShell Mex & BP Ltd and renamedBP Supervisor. Sold in 1966 to Antonia Shipping co Ltd and renamedRainbow. Operated under the management of J Livanos & Sons, Greece. Sold in 1967 to Ionian Tank Shipping SA and renamedPiraeus II. Operated under the management of G Kalogeratos & Co, Greece. Caught fire on 6 November 1977 and sank inElusis Bay, Greece. Raised, then scrapped in September 1978 atPiraeus.[21]
Empire Tedellen was to have been an 890 GRT coastal tanker built byA & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow but the contract for building her was cancelled.[22]
Empire Tedfay was to have been an 890 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow but the contract for building her was cancelled.[22]
Empire Tedflora was to have been an 890 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow but the contract for building her was cancelled.[22]
Empire Tedilla was a 950 GRT coastal tanker built by Sir J. Laing & Sons Ltd., Sunderland. Launched on 25 September 1945 and completed in February 1946. Sold in 1947 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co. Ltd. and renamedForskalia. Sold in 1949 to J Harker (Coasters) Ltd., and renamedDanesdale H. Sold in 1952 to Shell Mex & BP Ltd., renamedShell Driller. Scrapped at Faslane in 1966.[21]
Empire Tedlake was to have been an 890 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow but the contract for building her was cancelled.[22]
Empire Tedlora was a 950 GRT coastal tanker built by Short Brothers td., Sunderland. Launched on 18 January 1946 and completed in June 1946. Sold in 1947 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co. Ltd. and renamedForreria. Sold in 1951 to F. T. Everard & Sons Ltd. and renamedAustility. Sold in 1969 to Ionian Tank Shipping S.A. and renamedPireus IV. Sold in 1971 to G. Lyberis, Greece and renamedAsporpyrgos. Converted to adumb barge at Perama in 1985.[21]
Empire Tedmont was to have been an 890 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow but the contract for building her was cancelled.[22]
Empire Tedmuir was a 950 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow. Launched on 5 February 1946 and completed in May 1946. Sold in 1947 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd and renamedFusinus. Sold in 1949 to F T Everard & Sons Ltd and renamedAqueity.[21] Collision withCutty Sark on 30 January 1952.[23] Arrived in January 1965 atBruges, Belgium for scrapping.[21]
Empire Tedport was an 890 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow. Launched on 30 November 1945 and completed in March 1946. Sold in 1947 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd and renamedFelipes. Sold in 1948 to Shell-Mex & BP Ltd and renamedShelbrit 10. RenamedShell Director in 1952. Scrapped in September 1966 atBo'ness,West Lothian.[21]
Empire Tedrita was an 890 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow. Launched in April 1946 and completed in September 1946. Sold in 1947 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd and renamedFusus. Sold in 1956 to Kie Hock Shipping Co,Singapore. Rebuilt in 1957 and converted to take dry cargo. Sold in 1962 to Palembang Shipping Co, Panama. Operated under the management of Kie Hock Shipping Co, Singapore. Sold in 1964 to Compagnia de Navigazione Gatun, Panama and renamedMonaco, remaining under Kie Hock's management. Sold in 1965 to Compagnia Navigazione Thompson SA, Panama, and renamedHanna, still under Kie Hock's management. RenamedFataki later that year. Scrapped in July 1965 in Hong Kong.[24]
Empire Tedrose was to have been an 890 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow but the contract for building her was cancelled.[22]
Empire Tedship was an 890 GRT coastal tanker built by A & J Inglis Ltd, Glasgow. Launched on 20 October 1945 and completed in February 1946. Sold in 1947 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd and renamedFischeria. Sold in 1951 to F T Everard & Sons Ltd and renamedAcuity. Sold in 1967 to Betamar Carriers Ltd, Somalia and renamedVittoriosa. Converted in 1968 to a water carrier. Sold in 1969 to Compania di Davide Russo & Co, Italy and renamedNeptunia. Scrapped in 1975 in Italy.[21]
Empire Tedson was a 950 GRT coastal tanker built by Grangemouth Dockyard Co Ltd, Grangemouth. Launched on 17 January 1946 and completed in July 1946 asArduity for F T Everard & Sons Ltd. Lengthened in 1956, (1,159 GRT). Sold in 1969 to Felisberto Valente de Almeida,Portugal and renamedBela. RenamedAriex in 1970, relegated to river work only. Removed from shipping registers in 1979.[25]
Empire Tees was a 3,101 GRT cargo ship built in 1920 asDaybeam by J. Blumer & Co. Ltd., Sunderland. Sold to F Sainzde Inchaustegui, Spain in 1929 and renamedSebastian. Sold in 1933 to Marques de Real Sorocco, Spain and renamedAzteca. Reported name change toItxas-Alde in 1936 but deleted from shipping register. Sold to Compagnia Comerciale de Transportes S.A., Spain in 1941, namedSebastian. Seized by Royal Navy on 30 October 1943 and taken to Gibraltar. To MoWT in November 1943 and renamedEmpire Tees in 1944. Sold to Compagnia Maritime Tees, Panama in 1950 and renamedTees. Sold to Shamrock Shipping Co., Belfast in 1951, renamedClonlee. Sold to Muzaffer Taviloglu, Turkey in 1954 and renamedSelamet. Arrived at Istanbul for breaking on 4 April 1968.[19]
Empire Tegaden was a 2,570 GRT tanker built byHowaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, Kiel. Launched in 1940 asJeverland, towed to Copenhagen for completion by Burmeister & Wain. Requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine on completion. Seized in May 1945 atBergen, Norway. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegaden. Allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedJeverland. Listed in shipping registers until 1958.[9]
Empire Tegados was a 692 GRT coastal tanker built byF Schichau GmbH,Elbing. Completed in December 1937 asGabelsflach for the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 at Kiel. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegados. Allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedAlexi Tolstoi. Scrapped inBaku in 1964.[26][27]
Empire Tegaica was the intended name of a 650 GRT coastal tanker built by Gutehoffnungschutte AG,Walsum. Completed in 1943 asBinz for the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 at Kiel. To MoWT, intended to be renamedEmpire Tegaica but allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedKapitan Plaushevski. Deleted from shipping registers in 1970.[26][28]
Empire Tegalta was a 2,299 GRT tanker built byNordseewerke,Emden. Completed in 1944 asPoseidon. Seized in May 1945 at Kiel. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegalta. Allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedArarat. Scrapped in 1964.[26][29]
Empire Tegamas was a 708 GRT coastal tanker built by Schichau GmbH,Danzig. Completed in 1939 asOderbank for the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 atTrondheim, Norway. To MoWT in 1946 and renamedEmpire Tegamas. Allocated to USSR that year and renamedKhersones. Sunk in 1965 as a target in theBlack Sea.[26][30]
Empire Tegambia was a 1,156 GRT tanker built by Lübecker Flenderwerke,Lübeck. Completed in 1936 asHermann Andersen for C Andersen, Hamburg. Seized in May 1945 atNarvik, Norway. To MoWT in 1946 and renamedEmpire Tegambia. Sold in 1947 to Bulk Oil Steamship Co Ltd and renamedPass of Brander. Scrapped in 1956 atDunston-on-Tyne.[26]
Empire Tegaya was a 3,145 GRT tanker built by Deutsche Werft, Hamburg. Completed in 1921 asJulius Schindler. Sold in 1939 to Hamburger Tank Reederei, Hamburg and renamedThalatta. Requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine in 1940. Seized in May 1945 at Kiel, to MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegaya. Sold in 1947 to Valiant Steamship Co Ltd and renamedArtist. Operated under the management of Vergottis Ltd, London. Sold in 1949 to Fundador Compagnia Navigazione, Panama and renamedAstro. Sold in 1953 to Nolido Compagnia de Navigazione, Panama and renamedFranco. Scrapped in 1960 atSavona, Italy.[26]
Empire Tegenya was a 1,172 GRT tanker built by Deutsche Werft, Hamburg. Completed in 1930 asElsa Essberger for J T Essberger, Hamburg. RenamedLisa Essberger in 1938. Requisitioned in 1940 by the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 at Copenhagen, to MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegenya. Returned to J T Essberger in 1947 and renamedLisa Essberger. Sold in 1960 to R C Eckelmann, Hamburg and renamedOlstauer. Sold in 1964 to C Diamantis, Greece and renamedAttiki. Suffered an engine room fire on 21 September 1967 in the Bay ofEleusis. Declared a constructive total loss but repaired and sold in 1968 to Greek Tanker Shipping Co Ltd and renamedPelponnisis. Scrapped in October 1979 atKynossoura, Greece.[26]
Empire Tegidad was a 642 GRT coastal tanker built by Deutsche Werk, Kiel. Completed in 1934 asSylt for Carl W Hansen Tankschiffs, Hamburg. Requisitioned in 1940 by the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 at Trondheim, Norway. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegidad. Returned to Carl W Hansen in 1946 and renamedSylt. Sold in 1969 to Compagnia de Navigazione Lomamar SA, Panama and renamedRovensca. Scrapped in April 1982 in Trieste, Italy.[26]
Empire Tegleone was a 782 GRT coastal tanker built by Sarpsborg Mekaniske Verksted,Sarpsborg, Norway. Completed in 1942 asMarsteinen for German owners but requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 at Copenhagen (by HMS Solebay), to MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegleone. Allocated in 1946 to USSR but retained by the United Kingdom and laid up aQueenborough,Kent. Sold in 1953 to Leth & Co, Hamburg and renamedOtto. Sold in 1967 to N J Vardinoyannis, Greece and renamedKali Limenes II. Sold in 1980 toSeka SA, Greece. Sold in 1984 to Sekavin Shipping Co, Greece.[26]
Empire Tegoria was a 1,863 GRT tanker built by Howaldtswerke, Kiel. Completed in 1916 asUsedom. Sold in 1937 to J T Essberger, Hamburg and renamedInga Essberger. Requisitioned in 1940 by the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 at Sarpsborg, Norway. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegoria. Allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedBeshtau. Scrapped in 1970 in USSR.[26]
Empire Teguda was a 670 GRT coastal tanker built byDanziger Werft AG, Danzig. Completed in 1938 asAmrum for the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 at Kiel. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Teguda. Allocated to USSR in 1946 and renamedNargin. RenamedAhmedli in 1990. Deleted from shipping registers in 2002.[31][32]
Empire Teguto was a 1,338 GRT tanker built by Howaldtswerke, Kiel. Completed in 1915 asBrosen for theGerman Government and placed under the management of J T Essberger, Hamburg. Surrendered in May 1945 atPasajes, Spain. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Teguto. Allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedRuslan. Transferred in 1950 to theSoviet Navy. Name deleted from shipping registers in 1960.[33][34]
Empire Tegyika was a 1,623 GRT tanker built byHC Stülcken Sohn, Hamburg. Completed in 1935 asLiselotte Essberger for J T Essberger, Hamburg. Requisitioned in 1940 by the Kriegsmarine. Seized in May 1945 at Trondheim, Norway. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Tegyika. To the Admiralty in 1947 and renamedThornol. Sold in 1948 to Metcalfe Motor Coasters Ltd and renamedCaroline M. A new diesel engine was fitted in 1958. Sold in 1966 to C Diamantis, Greece and renamedKyllini. Scrapped in December 1980 atSalamis Island, Greece.[33]
Empire Teme was a 3,243 GRT cargo ship built by Nordseewerke, Emden. Completed in 1923 asIlona Siemers for G J H Siemers & Co, Hamburg. Seized in May 1945 at Lübeck, to MoWT and renamedEmpire Teme. Allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedAivazovsky. Deleted from shipping registers in 1970.[33][35]
Empire Tenbrook was a 2,864 GRT tanker built byUraga Dock Company,Uraga, Japan. Completed in 1944 asAyakumo Maru. Seized in prize in 1947, to MoWT in 1947 and renamedEmpire Tenbrook. Sold in 1950 to theIndonesian government and renamedAer Mas. Scrapped in 1952 in Hong Kong.[33]
Empire Tenby was an 852 GRT tanker built byMitsubishi Shipyard,Shimonoseki, Japan. Launched on 30 October 1943 and completed on 20 January 1944 asHishi Maru No 3 for Mitsubishi Kisen KK. Seized in 1945 as a war prize. To MoWT in 1945 and renamedMTS No 7. ToMinistry of Supply in 1947, converted to a cargo ship and renamedEmpire Tenby. Sold in 1949 to Gwee Au Nua, Singapore and renamedLeong Bee. Sold in 1952 to Tan Seck Kay, Singapore and renamedPhilip Q. Sold in 1954 to Kie Hock Shipping Co, Singapore and renamedTong Thay. RenamedHammer in 1962 and reflagged to Panama. RenamedFajado in 1965. Scrapped in July 1976 in Hong Kong.[33][36]
Empire Tennyson was a 2,880 GRT cargo ship built by William Gray & Co Ltd, West Hartlepool. Launched on 19 January 1942 and completed in March 1942.Torpedoed on 1 October 1942 and sunk byU-175 south east ofTrinidad (09°27′N60°05′W / 9.450°N 60.083°W /9.450; -60.083).[37]
Empire Terence was a 307 GRT tug built by Scott & Sons Ltd,Bowling, West Dunbartonshire. Laid down asEmpire Terence and launched on 16 September 1946 asTanumand for Petroleum Steamship Co Ltd. Completed in November 1946. Sold in 1958 toBP Tanker Co Ltd. Sold in 1971 to M R Saradpour, Iran. Sold in 1973 to Marine Service Co, Iran and renamedFamshek.[38]
Empire Tern was a 2,606 GRT cargo ship built by theAmerican Shipbuilding Company,Wyandotte, Michigan. Completed in November 1919 asLake Inglenook for the USSB. Sold in 1926 to Newtex Steamship Corp, New York. RenamedTexas Banker in 1932. To MoWT in 1940 and renamedEmpire Tern. Sold in 1946 to Williamson & Co, Hong Kong. RenamedInchmull in 1949. Sold in 1953 to Compagnia Sigma, Panama and renamedSigma Star. Scrapped in October 1953 inOsaka, Japan.[39]
Empire Tern was a 4,820 tonsdisplacementLST (3) built byCanadian Vickers Ltd, Montreal. Completed in May 1945 as HMSLST 3504. Later renamed HMSPursuer. ToMinistry of Transport (MoT) in 1956 during theSuez Crisis. Converted to a ferry and renamedEmpire Tern. Operated under the management of Atlantic Steam Navigation Co Ltd until 1961 when management passed toBritish-India Steam Navigation Co Ltd. Scrapped in Singapore in September 1968.[40]
Empire Tesbury was a 975 GRT coastal tanker built byBartram & Sons Ltd, Sunderland. Launched on 21 November 1945 and completed in March 1946. To the Admiralty in 1951, renamedRippledyke andchartered out for commercial service. ToRoyal Fleet Auxiliary as RFARippledyke in 1958, used as an oil hulk atGibraltar. Sold in 1960 to S Lucchese & L Esposito, Italy. Converted in 1961 to asuction dredger, now 1,000 GRT. RenamedAda in 1965. Collided withBočna and sank on 5 November 1966 atLido,Venice. The wreck was struck on 16 November by motorboatMarini Di Sapri which sank as a result. Refloated on 4 February 1967, repaired and a new diesel engine fitted. Reclassed as a barge in 1978, scrapped in November 1981 atPorto Nogaro, Italy.[22]
Empire Tescombe was a 975 GRT coastal tanker built byHarland & Wolff Ltd, Glasgow. Launched on 4 October 1945 and completed in December 1945. Sold in 1952 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd and renamedFossarina. Scrapped in 1965 in Hong Kong.[22]
Empire Tesdale was a 975 GRT coastal tanker, built bySwan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd,Newcastle upon Tyne. Launched on 22 October 1945 and completed in May 1946. Sold in 1946 toBurmah Oil Co (Tankers) Ltd,Rangoon,Burma and renamedBeme. Operated under the management of Burmah Oil Co Ltd, London. To Burmah Oil Co (Burma Trading) Ltd in 1948. ToThe People's Oil Industry, Burma in 1963. To theBurmese Government in 1964 and renamedYenan. Scrapped in 1980 in Burma.[41]
Empire Tesdown was to have been a 975 GRT coastal tanker built by Harland & Wolff Ltd, Glasgow but the contract for building her was cancelled.[22]
Empire Tesella was a 975 GRT coastal tanker built by Harland & Wolff Ltd, Glasgow. Launched on 31 October 1945 and completed in February 1946. Sold in 1951 to the British Tanker Co Ltd and renamedBritish Pluck. Scrapped in April 1954 inBombay.[22]
Empire Tesgate was to have been a 975 GRT coastal tanker built by Bartram & Sons Ltd, Sunderland but the contract for building her was cancelled.
Empire Tesgrove was to have been a 975 GRT coastal tanker built by Harland & Wolff Ltd, Glasgow but the contract for building her was cancelled.[22]
Empire Tesland was a 975 GRT coastal tanker built by Harland & Wolff Ltd, Glasgow. Launched on 31 July 1945 and completed in September 1945. Sold in 1946 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd and renamedFulgar. Sold in 1948 to Shell-Mex & BP Ltd and renamedShelbrit 9. RenamedBP Manager in 1952. Scrapped in June 1967 atAntwerp, Belgium.[22]
Empire Teslin was a 975 GRT coastal tanker built by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne. Launched on 5 October 1945 and completed in April 1946. Sold in 1946 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd and renameFragum. Sold in 1948 to Shell-Mex & BP Ltd and renamedShelbrit 8. RenamedShell Supplier in 1952. Lengthened in 1954, now 1,157 GRT. Sold in 1967 to Marine Water Supply Co Ltd, Greece and renamedSofia. Operated under the management of N E Vernicos Shipping Co Ltd, Greece. Scrapped in May 1971 at Perama, Greece.[41]
Empire Tesrock was to have been a 975 GRT coastal tanker built by Bartram & Sons Ltd, Sunderland but the contract for building her was cancelled.
Empire Tessa was a 292 GRT tug built by William Simons & Co Ltd,Renfrew. Launched on 3 June 1946 and completed later that month. To the Admiralty in 1947 and renamedEminent. Severely damaged by fire on 18 January 1951 atBermuda. Towed to the UK and repaired. Sold in 1976 Maryport Maritime Museum,Maryport,Cumbria. Arrived on 26 February 1986 atMillom, Cumbria for scrapping.[42]
Empire Test was an 8,298 GRTcargo liner built by J Cockerill SA,Hoboken, Belgium. Completed in 1922 asThysville. To MoT in 1947 and renamed Empire Test. Scrapped in 1953 at Faslane, Argyllshire.[19]
Empire Tesville was a 975 GRT coastal tanker built by Bartram & Sons Ltd, Sunderland. Launched on 21 November 1945 and completed in March 1946. Commanded in 1956 by Capt. T.G.W. Wormald of Shell Tankers. Sold in 1960 to Shell Tankers Ltd and renamedFusinus. Sold in 1962 to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd. Scrapped in 1964 in Singapore.[22]
Empire Teviot was a 5,337 GRT cargo ship built by Flensburger Schiffbau- Gesellschaft. Completed in 1937 asMathias Stinnes for Kohlen-Import und Poseidon Schiffahrt,Königsberg. Seized in May 1945 at Copenhagen. To MoWT and renamedEmpire Teviot. Allocated in 1946 to USSR and renamedAkademik Krilov. Scrapped in 1975 in the USSR.[33]
The above entries give a precis of each ship's history. For a fuller account see the linked articles.