RMS Peninnis Scilly Isles - Gibson.
1920 PENINNIS steamer built Paisley, formerly ARGUS
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Co.; Ltd's first ship,
was originally the ARGUS , a Fishery Protection Vessel and was purchased from the Admiralty Disposals for £8,000.
Following the necessary alterations at a cost of £5,000 she was renamed PENINNIS and came into service
when the Company received its Certificate of Incorporation, giving the right to commence business (dated 27th March, 1920)
ARGUS Steel screw steamer,
Built by Bow McLachlan Co Ltd., Paisley.
Launched as Yard No 173; 6th December 1904 for Coast Guard Service .
Handed over March 1905.
224 GRT. 130.0ft L, 23.2ft B, 11.5ft D.
Triple expansion steam engine and one single ended boiler operating at
180lbs/sqin pressure supplied by the shipbuilders.
65RHP (650IHP), Design speed 12.5K.
Bunkers 55 tons
One deck.
Owners : Royal Navy. C 75
Shipbuilders Archive lists her as a store ship ,
Janes of 1914 has her as a Coastguard Cruiser
1917 ARGON January Royal Navy.
1914/18. Examination vessel Borehaven
1920 PENINNIS ON 144466. 5th February. Isles of Scilly S.S. Co., Ltd.
( E.N.V Moyle, managers)
The official registered owner of PENINNIS in 1921 Mercantile Navy List (ie
at 31/12/1920) was William H Ward of Woodford, Essex.
Port of Reg Scilly. Cost to buy £8000 plus £6000 to refit.
Sold 5 February 1920 and renamed Peninnis (British Warships 1914-19 - Dittmar and Colledge).
Vessel now 380 tons, 130 x 23 x 9ft
fitted with triple expansion producing 600 ihp giving
12 knots and armed with 2 x 6pdr's.
This information corresponds with that given in Ships of the Royal Navy An Historical Index Volume 1: Major Ships (Colledge).
Commenced service 25th March 1920.
1926. February 1926 PENINNIS was sold to Alderney Steam Packet Co and renamed RIDUNA.
1931 Sold for Break-up at Plymouth.
Raymond Forward
(taken from my website)
