Herzogin Cecilie was one of Gustaf Erikson's most famous vessels. Gustaf Erikson acquired the German built four-masted steel barque after the First World War, in November 1921, for 4 250 GBP. Captain Ruben de Cloux became Herzogin Cecilie's commander.
Herzogin Cecilie made many swift journeys over the years, winning the Great Grain Race four times during Gustaf Erikson's ownership. Herzogin Cecilie's last trip from Port Lincoln, Australia to Falmouth, UK was done in only 86 days. However, on April 25, 1936 the ship grounded on the Brittish coast on its way from Falmouth to Ipswitch. In June, 1936 the ship was towed to Starhole Bay, where it beached and eventually sank.
The Shipping Company Gustaf Erikson archives, series Dd, includes letters from commanders from the years 1909-1948. The letters are arranged alphabetically by the ship's name. This sample of documents consists of letters from Herzogin Cecilie's commanders and highlights the ship's colourful history.
