This long-awaited book tells the remarkable story of the second Mauretania (1938–65): her construction, her naming, her maiden voyage and her distinguished Second World War service, told through extracts from a rare diary of a soldier.

This long-awaited book tells the remarkable story of the second Mauretania (1938–65): her construction, her naming, her maiden voyage and her distinguished Second World War service, told through extracts from a rare diary of a soldier. Also recalled are two exciting escapes from torpedoing by German U-boats, and the tale of how this great liner was almost lost in a high-speed collision with the SS Île de France, which could have resulted in catastrophic loss of life. Interviews with those who served on board, peppered with fascinating anecdotes, describe daily life on the ship, as well as the more unusual events such as royal visits. Recollections of the crew, from bell boy to captain, cover the famous Sunshine Caribbean cruises and an encounter with a hurricane in the North Atlantic, as well as her final voyage to the scrapyard. Andrew Britton’s unique access to original artefacts from the Mauretania, including captains’ logbooks, publicity material, menus, deck plans and much more, makes this a collection like no other. Coupled with lavish photography, including a wealth of previously unpublished colour images, the result is an evocative book that preserves the memory of this great Cunard liner for future generations.