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Kiautschou
Ship Information

Type:  Chartered civilian steamer (NDL)
Launched:  10 February 1900

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MSP No. 49 – Main

The steamer Main was built by Blohm & Voss  and delivered to Norddeutscher Lloyd (NDL) in April 1900.  Main served primarily on NDL’s Bremerhaven to New York route.

In 1902, 1903, and 1904, Main was chartered by the German government for three voyages transporting troops to and from China.  She carried MSP cancellers on all three voyages – MSP 27 (1902), MSP 49 (1903), and MSP 5 (1904).

At the outbreak of World War I, Main was in Antwerp, where she was confiscated by the Belgian government.  She was then re-captured by Germany upon the occupation of Belgium, but remained in Antwerp for the remainder of the war.  At the end of the war, she was surrendered to the British in accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

Main
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Period of Use on this Ship:

  • 2 May 1903 to 20 August 1903

Approximate Period of Use in Kiautschou waters:

  • June 1903

Notes:

  • Transporting relief crews to ships at Ostasiatische Station
  • Transporting relieved crews back to Germany
MSP No. 49 – Main
Ship Information

Type:  Chartered civilian steamer (NDL)
Launched:  10 February 1900

The steamer Main was built by Blohm & Voss  and delivered to Norddeutscher Lloyd (NDL) in April 1900.  Main served primarily on NDL’s Bremerhaven to New York route.

In 1902, 1903, and 1904, Main was chartered by the German government for three voyages transporting troops to and from China.  She carried MSP cancellers on all three voyages – MSP 27 (1902), MSP 49 (1903), and MSP 5 (1904).

At the outbreak of World War I, Main was in Antwerp, where she was confiscated by the Belgian government.  She was then re-captured by Germany upon the occupation of Belgium, but remained in Antwerp for the remainder of the war.  At the end of the war, she was surrendered to the British in accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

Main
Postmark Information

Period of Use on this Ship:

  • 2 May 1903 to 20 August 1903

Approximate Period of Use in Kiautschou waters:

  • June 1903

Notes:

  • Transporting relief crews to ships at Ostasiatische Station
  • Transporting relieved crews back to Germany
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