Kungsholm - 1928

This must be a scarce colour shot of her, possibly taken 1940-42 in the Panama Canal? before acquired by the U.S.Govt. Could some liner experts comment please ? Thanks.

And what's that rectangular dark patch on her starboard bow just forward of her bridge?

Looks like some kind of identification insigna.It was wartime and she was neutral.I am hoping some of the Swedish liner experts may provide more info.

Yes, nationality identification in form of blue and yellow stripes. She would also have her name and Sweden painted on the hull. Nice of the yanks to give her name after a Swedish immigrant, John Ericsson, who amongst other things constructed the first effective marine propeller and the Monitor.
Lars

Thanks for sharing this gem of a photo--color views of her as KUNGSHOLM are extremely rare. This was taken at Panama during a cruise. When War broke out in 1939, SAL based her in New York for cruising, and she is indeed wearing her neutrality markings. Then when the US entered the War, she became the troopship JOHN ERICSSON.
See here for a broadside view of KUNGSHOLM's neutrality markings:
http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/164933
Rich

Thanks for the link Rich to your gallery and for your enlightening comments.(==D)

By the way, Kungsholm means Kings Island which is a part of central Stockholm(which means Log (as in timber) Island!).
All the best!
Lars

Hi Lars....there was a Brit collier called FLATHOLM once...so no doubt named after
a flat island in the River Severn which itself must have been named after one of your invasions !.

Hi Alan,
Yes, flat is flat in scandinavian too and holm is mostly used for small islands. I understand that the english language still has got a few scandinavian words and I guess you all got some good old viking blood in your veins?

Lars

Hi Lars....not me personally but I have a friend who walks around with an horned helmet. (only after I have been drinking wine though) his name= Halcrow.