Event
Thu, 14 Nov
|Norwegian Study Centre
MS Jutlandia - The Danish hospital ship
YASS member Brian Hague talks about the history and activities of the famous Danish Hospital ship.
Time & Location
14 Nov 2024, 19:00 – 21:00
Norwegian Study Centre, University of, Quantum House, Heslington, York YO10 5BR, UK
About The Event
Built and operated by the East Asiatic Company (EAC) of Denmark, the “Jutlandia” served for many years as a combined freight and passenger vessel mainly on that company's routes between Europe and the Far East.
A somewhat less prosaic event in its life was surviving being bombed by the RAF in the final days of World War II in Europe, after which it saw service between Denmark and the east coast of the USA.
However the highlight of the vessel’s career was its service as a hospital ship supporting the United Nations forces during the Korean War. During this time, crewed by volunteers from the EAC and with medical staff selected by the Danish Red Cross, it undertook three tours of duty totalling 999 days. Over that time care was given to almost five thousand injured combatants and the medical staff also provided treatment for Korean civilians in onshore clinics.
After returning to its original purpose as a dual freight and passenger service vessel it resumed service on its original routes between Denmark and the Far East. In its final years, the “Jutlandia” also served on two occasions as a temporary Royal Yacht. A very varied life lasting some 30 years for a very singular vessel.
In this presentation, YASS member Brian Hague talks about the history and activity of this famous ship.