In the period of optimism that followed the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71, trade between the new German Empire and America boomed. However, some Hamburg merchants argued that the Hamburg-America line had too few ships to cope with this increasing demand. Fearful that competitors from outside Germany would muscle-in, they resolved to set up another Hamburg-based steamship line.

Read more: Rob M Sloman’s Ill-fated Eagle Line, 1872-75

The Mission to Seafarers was founded in 1856 and celebrated its 150th anniversary at a special service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on 28th March 2006.

Read more: The Flying Angel