A 10,077 ton cargo liner, she was 499 feet long by 59.1 feet wide and had accommodation for 1000 passengers, 100 in first class, 150 each in second and third class, and 600 in steerage.

On November 22, 1920, a fire was discovered in her hold. Albert Lough, the watchman who discovered the blaze, was suffocated by the smoke.

A further death occurred when, at about 2.00am, the ship heeled over.

Brothers Richard and Willam Swan, who were drilling holes for the fire brigade's hoses, were taken unawares and, while William managed to escape, Richard unfortunately drowned.

The fire was under control at 4am on the 23rd. but the Meduana was not raised until April 1921, delaying the launch of the Cunard liner Laconia, whose berth had been blocked by the accident.

She was completed on November 23, 1922 and in February, 1923 she made her maiden voyage from Bordeaux to South America. In May, 1928 she was sold to Chargeurs Reunis of Le Havre who changed her name to Kerguelen.

She was seized by the Germans in August 1940 and renamed Winrich von Kniprode, intended as a troop transport in the invasion of Britain. At the end of the war she returned to her owners, again the Kerguelen, and refitted. She was sold to be broken up at Antwerp in February 1955.

If anyone has further information ask for Local Studies on 0191 200 5424 or leave a message at any branch of North Tyneside Libraries.