Intro
Explore the 5 largest WWII troop ships, vessels that played a crucial role in transporting Allied forces during the war. Discover the QE2, Ile de France, RMS Queen Mary, USS America, and SS Normandie, marveling at their massive capacity, speed, and historical significance in the war effort, and learn about their remarkable contributions to the Allied victory.
World War II saw the largest mobilization of troops in history, with millions of soldiers, sailors, and airmen deployed across the globe. To transport these massive armies, troop ships played a crucial role, often serving as makeshift floating cities that provided food, shelter, and medical care to those on board. In this article, we'll explore the five largest World War II troop ships, marvels of engineering that helped shape the course of history.
1. SS Queen Mary: The Grey Ghost of the Seas
The SS Queen Mary, affectionately known as the "Grey Ghost of the Seas," was the largest and most iconic troop ship of World War II. Built by the Cunard-White Star Line, this behemoth measured over 1,019 feet in length and had a gross tonnage of 83,673 tons. During the war, the Queen Mary transported over 800,000 Allied troops, earning the nickname "the largest troop ship in the world."
Queen Mary's Statistics
- Length: 1,019 feet 5 inches (310.7 meters)
- Beam: 118 feet 6 inches (36.1 meters)
- Gross tonnage: 83,673 tons
- Top speed: 31.6 knots (58.5 km/h)
- Troop capacity: 16,000 soldiers
2. SS Normandie: A French Liner Turned Troop Ship
The SS Normandie, a French ocean liner, was one of the most majestic ships of its time. Converted into a troop ship in 1941, the Normandie played a significant role in transporting Allied forces during World War II. Measuring 1,029 feet 6 inches (313.6 meters) in length, the Normandie had a gross tonnage of 83,500 tons and could carry up to 10,000 troops.
Normandie's Statistics
- Length: 1,029 feet 6 inches (313.6 meters)
- Beam: 119 feet 1 inch (36.3 meters)
- Gross tonnage: 83,500 tons
- Top speed: 32 knots (59 km/h)
- Troop capacity: 10,000 soldiers
3. USS Mount Vernon: A US Navy Transport
The USS Mount Vernon (AP-22) was a US Navy transport ship that played a crucial role in transporting American troops during World War II. Built in 1905 as a German passenger liner, the ship was seized by the US Navy in 1917 and converted into a transport. With a length of 638 feet 9 inches (194.8 meters) and a gross tonnage of 21,034 tons, the USS Mount Vernon could carry up to 7,000 troops.
USS Mount Vernon's Statistics
- Length: 638 feet 9 inches (194.8 meters)
- Beam: 73 feet 2 inches (22.3 meters)
- Gross tonnage: 21,034 tons
- Top speed: 17 knots (31 km/h)
- Troop capacity: 7,000 soldiers
4. RMS Aquitania: A British Liner Turned Troop Ship
The RMS Aquitania was a British passenger liner that served as a troop ship during World War II. Built in 1913, the Aquitania measured 901 feet 1 inch (274.7 meters) in length and had a gross tonnage of 45,647 tons. With a troop capacity of 8,000 soldiers, the Aquitania played a significant role in transporting Allied forces during the war.
RMS Aquitania's Statistics
- Length: 901 feet 1 inch (274.7 meters)
- Beam: 97 feet 1 inch (29.6 meters)
- Gross tonnage: 45,647 tons
- Top speed: 23 knots (43 km/h)
- Troop capacity: 8,000 soldiers
5. SS America: A US Troop Ship
The SS America was a US troop ship that served during World War II. Built in 1939 as a passenger liner, the America was converted into a troop ship in 1941. Measuring 723 feet 1 inch (220.4 meters) in length, the SS America had a gross tonnage of 26,454 tons and could carry up to 6,000 troops.
SS America's Statistics
- Length: 723 feet 1 inch (220.4 meters)
- Beam: 93 feet 1 inch (28.4 meters)
- Gross tonnage: 26,454 tons
- Top speed: 19 knots (35 km/h)
- Troop capacity: 6,000 soldiers
Gallery of World War II Troop Ships
WWII Troop Ships Image Gallery
What was the largest troop ship in World War II?
+The SS Queen Mary was the largest troop ship in World War II, with a gross tonnage of 83,673 tons and a troop capacity of 16,000 soldiers.
How many troop ships were used during World War II?
+There were hundreds of troop ships used during World War II, with estimates ranging from 400 to 600 ships.
What was the average speed of a World War II troop ship?
+The average speed of a World War II troop ship varied, but most ships had a top speed of around 15-20 knots (28-37 km/h).
As we reflect on the largest World War II troop ships, we are reminded of the incredible feats of engineering and logistics that made it possible to transport millions of soldiers across the globe. These ships played a crucial role in shaping the course of history, and their stories continue to inspire and fascinate us today. We hope you've enjoyed this article and invite you to share your thoughts and comments below!