FAQ: Was Majestic The First Name White Star Chose for Bismarck?
Above: Homeric entered service for the White Star Line in 1922. She, too, was a former German liner reassigned to the United Kingdom after Germany’s defeat. (Author’s collection)
In February 1921, it was reported that White Star Line officials had told a newspaper that Bismarck (as she then was) would be named Oceanic – the same name as White Star’s pioneering steamer. It is not clear whether this is true or whether the name was seriously considered. The name Oceanic held a special place in the company’s history for a number of reasons. The White Star Line’s full legal name was the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company Ltd. As well as their first steamer, they had also used the name Oceanic for their renowned ‘Ship of the Century’ completed in 1899. The company were particularly proud of her and she remained a sentimental favourite. Although Bismarck was destined to be the largest liner in the world and a fine addition to the fleet, she was a German-built ship and had been a former competitor. Perhaps the company would have been reticent to use the name for a foreign-built ship.
The following month, correspondence between Edward Wilding and Board of Trade officials referred to ‘SS Majestic ex-Bismarck,’ and subsequent documents continued to use the name. In June 1921, there was even speculation that Homeric would be called Oceanic. (In the event, the name was not used until Harland & Wolff laid down a new express liner for the White Star Line in the summer of 1928.)
