Jigsaw Puzzle : SS St Julien as a hospital ship, at Newport Docks, c. 1940

EDITORS COMMENTS

SS St Julien at Newport Docks, c. 1940: A Symbol of Hope and Healing in War Time This evocative photograph captures the SS St Julien at Newport Docks following its conversion into a hospital ship during the early months of World War II. The distinctive red cross emblazoned on the hull of this once commercial vessel signifies its new role in providing vital medical support to the war effort. The SS St Julien was one of seven cargo ships requisitioned by the British Government from the Great Western Railway (GWR) Company for war service. These ships played a crucial role in transporting troops, cargo, and wounded soldiers across the English Channel, often under fire from enemy guns. The most notable and dangerous mission carried out by these ships was the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk in 1940. Operation Dynamo, as the evacuation was known, was a desperate bid to save soldiers from capture as the German forces closed in. The fleet of more than 800 boats, including the SS St Julien, sailed into French waters, making them direct targets for Luftwaffe bombers. Despite the danger, no Great Western ships were lost during Operation Dynamo, and the fleet continued with wartime operations on behalf of the Government. The SS St Julien, as a hospital ship, provided much-needed medical care to the wounded soldiers, offering a glimmer of hope and healing amidst the chaos and destruction of war. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that the SS St Julien and other GWR ships played in the war effort, transporting troops and providing medical support to those in need. The courage and resilience of the crew and passengers on board these ships are a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.