The auxiliary barque Modwena in the Bay of Naples

The auxiliary steel barque Modwena was designed and built for Mr. Edgar Thornton of Ryde, Isle of Wight, by J. Reid & Co. of Glasgow in 1908. Registered at 312 tons gross (263 net), she measured 135½ feet in length with a 26 foot beam and was distinguished by the teak quarterdeck which rose above her main deck, as well as her smart commercial rig. Fitted with a full suit of sails by Ratsey & Lapthorne, she also carried a 6-cylinder paraffin motor by Gardner of Patricroft and proved a very successful cruiser for her first owner. By 1914, she was owned by A. Mortimer-Singer of London but was not required for war service, presumably due to her archaic design and lack of motive power, even though she disappears from record shortly afterwards.