Commonwealth Government Line
1916 The Australian Government bought 15 British steamers which it renamed; these formed the nucleus of the Commonwealth Government Line to provide a regular service between Britain and Australia.[1]
By 1927 it was understood the Government had been making heavy losses over several years and was seeking to dispose of the ships[2]
The fleet was subsequently purchased by Lord Kylsant's White Star Line from the Australian Government on a deferred payment basis[3]; it was placed under George Thompson’s management, with which group it was already associated on the Australian trade; the new combined fleet was renamed Aberdeen and Commonwealth Line[4]
1931 the Kylsant shipping group, which owned White Star Line, collapsed.
1932 the Aberdeen Line was purchased by Shaw, Savill and Albion Co. The fleet of the former Australian Commonwealth Line was also acquired. Together with P & O, Furness, Withy and Co, New Zealand Line and Orient Line, Shaw, Savill and Albion Co managed the Aberdeen and Commonwealth Line.
See Also
Sources of Information
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