RMS Caronia - The Green Goddess

[Trevor Harris]

I can't answer why she was painted varying shades of green, nor who in Cunard made the decision. Wikipedia simply states it was a decision to differentiate her from the black and white livery of the Cunard White Star liners.

Apparently the Liverpudlians amongst the crew soon nicknamed her the 'Green Goddess' as she matched the livery of the then Liverpool trams, also termed 'Green Goddesses'. (As an aside, when I was in the British army in a previous life, we used to term our fire engines - painted bronze green in those days - as Green Goddesses. I guess scouse eventually infiltrates every institution).

Interestingly the original RMS Caronia (launched 1904) had the distinction of being the first ship to radio warnings of ice bergs to the Titanic. She was named Caronia after the grand-daughter of Cunard's New York Agent at that time - Caro Brown.

Thanks Boris! I never understood why she was green. Guess they wanted her to be different.

[Brandon Sterkel]

After doing some research online regarding your question Trevor, Cunard had Caronia painted in "Cruising Green" in order to make her fit for tropical destinations and it made her look more attractive and recognizable.

The RMS Mauretania of 1938 was also painted in "Crusing Green" towards the end of her service life.

[Trevor Harris]

Thanks Brandon!

[Boris]

What goes around ... etc. Found a thread elsewhere in this forum that appears to discuss, back in 2011, Caronia's colour scheme. Better than my response, above.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1937.msg29159.html#msg29159

[Twynkle]

Did you see this?

[Rod]

Think I saw Ronnie Bateson in the recieving line!

[Thomas Hypher]

Did you see this?

Wonderful film, thank you for sharing Rosie!