HMHS Plassy

HMHS Plassy (His Majesty's Hospital ship) was a steamship originally built for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), which spent most of its career in government service, particularly as a troop transport for the Second Boer War and as a hospital ship in World War I, including service at the Battle of Jutland.

Building
The ship was built by Caird & Company as a twin-screw steamer, capable of mail and passenger service, but also to comply with government regulations for troop ships. The specifications included a top speed of 16 kn, and accommodation for 114 first class and 57 second class passengers.

Career
In 1911, the ship (then a troop transport) was fitted with wireless telegraphy.

At the Battle of Jutland, Plassy served as a hospital ship, and took on board 192 wounded from the battlecruisers HMS Lion (1910) and HMS Princess Royal (1911), including a number with severe burns.

In June 1917, King George V visited the ship at Scapa Flow.