Home > Transportation > Trains
SS St Julien at the Banana Dock in Dieppe c. 1939
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum
SS St Julien at the Banana Dock in Dieppe c. 1939
SS St Julien is pictured here at the Banana Dock in Dieppe during her service as a hospital ship. St Julien was built in 1925 as a vessel to serve the GWRs Weymouth route, which she did until requisitioned by the government on the 9th September 1939 to work as a troop ship. During the following month the steamer was sent to Southampton to be converted into Hospital Ship No. 29 and she began work ferrying casualties from France back to Britain, from where they would be taken by train to hospitals around the country. St Julien took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk, crossing the channel 6 times in an attempt to reach troops, where, despite being clearly identified as a hospital ship, she came under enemy fire. She survived Dunkirk and subsequent service as a hospital ship in the Mediterranean, and at the end of the war SS St Julien returned to operation on the Weymouth Service
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19938921
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
Dock Ship Weymouth Dieppe Dunkirk Evacuation Steamer
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> GWR Shipping
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> Places
> Docks
> Other Docks
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> The Railway at War
> Second World War
> Transportation
> Trains
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the SS St Julien, a remarkable hospital ship, docked at the Banana Dock in Dieppe circa 1939. Originally built in 1925 to serve the GWR's Weymouth route, this vessel played an integral role during wartime. On September 9th, 1939, she was requisitioned by the government and transformed into a troop ship. In October of that same year, SS St Julien underwent conversion in Southampton to become Hospital Ship No. 29. Her noble duty involved transporting wounded soldiers from France back to Britain for further medical care via train connections across the country. The steamer fearlessly participated in the historic evacuation of Dunkirk, making six perilous crossings amidst enemy fire while clearly marked as a hospital ship. Despite facing grave danger during her service at Dunkirk and later as a hospital ship in the Mediterranean theater of war, SS St Julien emerged unscathed. At war's end, she resumed operations on the Weymouth Service once again. This poignant image encapsulates not only an extraordinary vessel but also pays homage to all those who served aboard her and risked their lives to save others. It serves as a powerful reminder of courage and resilience amidst tumultuous times in history.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
