Royal Mail Ship
Royal Mail Ship (RMS) is the ship prefix used for seagoing vessels that carry mail under contract to the British Royal Mail.[1]
RMS symbol which was displayed by the Cunard liner RMS Laconia
History
In the early 19th century, the British Admiralty provided RMS service.[2]
The designation "RMS" has been used since 1840.[3]
In 1850 contracts were awarded to private companies. Having the title "RMS" was seen as a mark of quality and a competitive advantage, because the mail had to be on time.
List of RMS ships
- HMHS Britannic
- RMS Carpathia
- RMS Laconia
- RMS Lusitania
- RMS Queen Elizabeth
- RMS Queen Elizabeth 2
- RMS Queen Mary
- RMS Queen Mary 2
- Titanic
- RMS Empress of Ireland
References
- Woodman, Richard. (2002). The History of the Ship: The Comprehensive Story of Seafaring from the earliest times to the present day, p. 139.
- The Admiralty took over the service from the General Post Office in 1823.
- The first citation in the Times is from 18 August 1840
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