The SS Matelots Pillien et Peyrat was a substantial cargo vessel with a gross register tonnage of 7,058 GRT, constructed in 1943 by Short Brothers Ltd. in Sunderland, County Durham, United Kingdom. She measured 431 feet in length with a beam of 56 feet 3 inches, a depth of 35 feet 2 inches, and a draught of 26 feet 9 inches. Her design included a triple expansion steam engine, rated at 510 nhp, built by North East Marine Engineering Co. (1938) Ltd, which powered a single screw propeller, enabling her to navigate the busy wartime and post-war shipping routes. Initially named Empire Friendship, she was launched on 19 February 1943 and completed by May of the same year, operating under the management of Sir R. Ropner & Co. Ltd. She participated actively in numerous convoy operations across Atlantic, Mediterranean, and African waters, carrying diverse cargo such as iron ore, wheat, ammunition, vehicles, and general freight. Her service record includes voyages from the UK to North Africa, the Middle East, and South America, demonstrating her versatility and importance in wartime logistics. In 1945, her ownership transferred to the French government as part of post-war reparations, and she was renamed Matelots Pillien et Peyrat. Her new port of registry was Le Havre, and she was managed by the Compagnie de Navigation Mixte. The vessel’s name commemorates sailors Jacques Pillien and Paul Peyrat, who were executed in 1942 after attempting to capture a Vichy French ship to aid the Allies. The ship's career continued in commercial service, eventually being sold in 1948 to the Compagnie Havraise de Navigation à Vapeur, with her port of registry changing to Dunkerque. Her operational life ended when she was driven ashore at Port-de-Bouc in October 1962. Although refloated, she was declared a total loss and was subsequently scrapped, marking the conclusion of a vessel that served notably during World War II and its immediate aftermath. Her history illustrates the vital role of cargo ships in wartime logistics and post-war reconstruction, emphasizing her maritime significance during a pivotal era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.