During World War II, the Cunard liner Aquitania was one of the three fastest passenger ships in the world. With as many as 8,000 troops and 1,000 crew aboard, she traveled alone through seas infested with German U-boats gunning to sink her. The former “Ship Beautiful” was once a seafaring palace ferrying the upper classes to glamorous destinations. In November 1943, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion were among her passengers on a harrowing voyage to Britain.
The Cunard liner Aquitania is pictured in lower Manhattan in this old postcard with the majestic spires of the Woolworth building as a backdrop.
Photo: Courtesy of Graham Newell
During two world wars, the Cunard passenger liner Aquitania transported thousands of troops. She was once the most luxurious liner on the high seas. Photo: U.S. Army Transportation Museum