Cardiff Docks Stores Authority Form issued to 'S.S.Mar Glauco'

An original document issued on 4th December 1939 during the very early part of WWII. The Italian registered vessel of 2969 tons was scheduled for a voyage to Naples, her home port. The document request additional coal to complete the voyage adding 600 tons to the 125 already onboard. Interestingly the document, that has been signed by her Master (named Gillard) also has a statement 'reasonable anticipation that steamer will return to this country'. The document is further stamped by Collector of Customs and Excise, Cardiff and dated 4 December 1939.

We have tracked down the vessel relating. She was built by Doxford & Sons Sunderland, launched in 1906 and owned by the Astral Shipping Company and was named 'Drumcondra'. In 1913 she was sold and renamed' Lubeck'. She was sold again in 1921 becoming 'S.E.Calvert', then in 1924 'Aquitania'. In 1927 she acquired the name on this document 'SS Mar Glauco'. Interestingly in March 1941 she was detained in Philadelphia and in 1941 she was requisitioned by the US Government and renamed 'Mokatam' when she served on war duties, being damaged in 1944 in a Japanese attack. She was finally laid up in 1946 in New South Wales and finished her days beached as landfill on Hunter River, NSW. It is amazing what you can find online with a little research! This original document is a little frayed at the edges but writing remains crisp and clear and would look well framed and glazed. It measures 13 1/2" x 8 1/2" (34 cm x 22 cm).