Remarkably, the German liner Bismarck, launched on June 20, 1914, never made a voyage under that name. The reason for this was because she was launched only about a month before the outbreak of World War One. During the war, she was laid up, incomplete and decaying.

Following the war, she was handed over to the Allies as part of war reparations. In the end, the White Star Line acquired her, and renamed her R.M.S. Majestic. In taking on this new name, she became the second ship of the title to serve in White Star's ranks; the first Majestic, sister of the Teutonic, entered their service in.

She was completed at the Blohm & Voss yards to White Star's specifications, although it was clear that they were not particularly happy about losing their greatest accomplishment to a British line. In the end, when White Star arrived to formally take possession of the ship, they found her painted in HAPAG colors, and under her original name and registry, along with a few other surprises.

The ship left Hamburg for a very brief set of trials on March 28, 1922. After successfully passing these tests, some more work to complete her was carried out, and she arrived in Southampton on April 10, 1922, now under White Star's colors, and with her new name emblazoned on her prow.

Following a month of preparations for her maiden voyage -- nearly eight years from the time of her launch at Blohm & Voss -- she left on her maiden voyage on May 10, 1922.

The largest liner in the world was back in White Star's stables. For the remainder of her career, she proved to be a much-loved and popular vessel.

She was laid up in early 1936, eventually being sold to the Royal Navy to serve as the training ship H.M.S. Caledonia. In September of 1939, she caught fire and sank; she was finally scrapped, her steel being recycled for the war effort.

NEWS:

If you are interested in the history of the Bismarck / Majestic, make sure that you keep an eye open for Mark Chirnside's latest book, RMS MAJESTIC: The 'Magic Stick' (Tempus Publishing, October 2006). According to the blurb:

"With an extensive collection of archive pictures of the Majestic and other ships, including photographs of the White Star vessel's stately rooms, and striking paintings of the ship in vibrant colour, as well as a fascinating and comprehensive narrative chronicling the life of the vessel, RMS Majestic: The 'Magic-Stick' provides a complete history of a ship that was once the pride of the White Star Line."

Mark's previous two works, The Olympic-Class Ships: Olympic, Titanic & Britannic and RMS Olympic: Titanic's Sister (both published by Tempus), have become the definitive works on these vessels, and have twice earned him 'Book of the Month' in Ships Monthly.

Bismarck / Majestic Gallery:

The Leviathan (left), Majestic (center) and Berengaria (right) together in Southampton during the twenties. Sketch ©2004/2005 by Chris Mazzella. Not for re-use without permission.	This White Star Line ad from 1925 features their flagship, the R.M.S. Majestic, the former HAPAG liner Bismarck. She was, at that time, the largest vessel in the world. ~ Author's Collection.	A rare aerial view of the Majestic. ~ Mark Chirnside Collection.
These three illustrations are rarities, especially for their colorized nature. Above is a depiction of the ship's a la carte restaurant. ~ Mark Chirnside Collection.	This illustration shows the First Class Dining Saloon of the Majestic in all its splendor ~ Mark Chirnside Collection.	Like her sisters, the Majestic had a Pompeiian Swimming Pool, seen here in full color. ~ Mark Chirnside Collection.
A color illustration advertising the Majestic. ~ Author's Collection	In late February of 1935, the Majestic's scheduled departure from Southampton was delayed for a full day due to a gale with 60 mph winds; she is shown in the photograph above, still fast to her dock. ~ Author's Collection	A beautiful photograph of the 1st Class Entrance to the Lounge. ~ Author's Collection
A photograph of the Majestic using Southampton's floating drydock in the early thirties. ~ Author's Collection	A rare and beautiful photograph of the Majestic entering drydock in early 1934.. ~ Author's Collection	An artist's depiction of the event photographed at left. ~ Author's Collection
A scene in Southampton, England, that was typical during the 1920's and early 30's. At left, the Majestic. Middle right, just visible, the Berengaria. On the far right is the Mauretania. ~ Author's Collection	An early 1930's view of the Majestic sporting her all-black prow and with her gold band lowered. ~ Author's Collection