RMS Queen Elizabeth

R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth was an ocean-going liner of the Cunard Steamship Lines. Launched on September 27, 1938. She was the largest passenger ship ever constructed, a record that remained until 1996. Named for Queen Elizabeth who was queen consort of the United Kingdom at that time, her maiden voyage took place after the outbreak of World War II, on March 3, 1940, with a secret destination of New York.

During the war the ship, like the R.M.S. Queen Mary, was used for troop transport. Her high speed allowed her to outrun hazards such as the U-boats, allowing her to travel without a convoy.

The ship was bought by the Hong Kong tycoon Tung Chao Yung and made into a university. It was destroyed by fire on January 9, 1972, in Hong Kong harbour.

A second ship of the same name, the R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth 2, was launched in 1969.