- published: 09 Nov 2013
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The Empire ships were a series of ships in the service of the British Government. Their names were all prefixed with "Empire". Mostly they were used during World War II by the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), who owned the ships but contracted out their management to various shipping lines. Some ships requisitioned during the Suez Crisis were also given the Empire prefix. They were acquired from a number of sources. Many were built for the MoWT, others obtained from the USA, still others were captured or seized from enemy powers.
Empire Sailor was a 6,068 GRT cargo ship which was built by Stabilimento Technico Triestino, Trieste. Completed in 1926 as Cellina for Società Italia di Navigazione, Genoa. Seized as a war prize on 10 June 1940 at Gibraltar. To MoWT and renamed Empire Sailor. Torpedoed on 21 November 1942 and sunk by U-518 at 43°55′N 55°12′W / 43.917°N 55.2°W / 43.917; -55.2 while a member of Convoy ON 145.
Empire Salerno was an 877 GRT coaster which was built by Earles Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Hull. Completed in 1920 as Salerno for Ellerman Wilson Lines. Seized on 15 April 1940 in Saudafjord. Renamed Markirch and impressed into service with the Kriegsmarine for use as a target towing vessel for the torpedo school at Eckernförde. Seized in May 1945 at Eckernförde, to MoWT and renamed Empire Salerno. Prize Court ordered her return to her original owners. To Ellerman Wilson Line in October 1946 and renamed Salerno. Sold in 1957 to M A Karageorgis, Greece and renamed Taxiarchis. Ran aground on 18 December 1958 on a reef between Kos and the Turkish mainland. Refloated on 23 December and proceeded to Kos, then towed to Piraeus. Repairs uneconomic, scrapped in August 1959 at Perama, Greece.