Here are the three ships, GOOD HOPE CASTLE, scrapped in 1959 in Hong Kong. When I sailed on her she was owned by Springbok Line of Cape Town [part of the British and Commonwealth Group. ex Union Castle,] and in their colours, Black hull, and black funnel with orange white and blue bands. and registered in Cape Town under the South African flag, our wages were South African, almost twice the British rate of pay.
1964
Southampton Castle launched on October 20th by H.R.H. Princess Alexandra. .
1965
Good Hope Castle launched - she sailed on her maiden voyage in the mail service on 14th January 1966
1973
29th June - Serious fire broke out aboard Good Hope Castle whilst en route from Ascension Island to St. Helena. Passengers rescued by passing tanker. Good Hope Castle abandoned but did not sink and was subsequently towed to Bilbao for repairs involving over 1000 tons of new steel. Re-entered mail service from Southampton on 31st May 1974.
Photos by `Old Ship Picture Galleries` site, with thanks.
No1. the old Good Hope Castle.
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No2. Then the `new ` sisters, GOOD HOPE CASTLE` the one that burned, Union Castle.
No3. then Southampton Castle, same class. Union Castle Line.
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