War Declared

On the 4th August 1914 Britain declared war on Germany and joined the First World War.  In the London headquarters of P&O, the implications of war on the Company and its fleet, spread throughout the Eastern Empire, were rapidly becoming clear.

The Admiralty had for many years been quietly gathering plans and the details of capacity, speed and whereabouts 'of every British ship afloat'.  The strategy was simple; why build when you could simply borrow from mercantile ship owners in times of need?

The Government could be assured of P&O’s patriotism and support, but four years of 'this devastating war' would test the Country and Company to its limit…