RMS Connaught was a steam-powered passenger and Royal Mail ship constructed in 1897 by Laird's of Birkenhead. She was part of a fleet of four vessels, collectively known as "The Provinces," ordered by the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company to serve routes between Ireland and the United Kingdom. As the second vessel to bear the name Connaught, she was designed as a twin-screw steamer powered by an eight-cylinder steam engine, capable of reaching speeds up to 24 knots (approximately 28 mph). Her gross register tonnage was 2,646 GRT, and she measured 377 feet in length, making her a sizable vessel for her era. Initially built for passenger service and carrying Royal Mail under a contract with the Post Office, Connaught played a vital role in Irish and UK maritime communication. Her service life was interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, during which she was requisitioned in 1915 by the British War Office. During wartime, she was employed as a troopship, transporting soldiers across the English Channel. Tragically, her service came to an end on 3 March 1917. While returning from Le Havre to Southampton after transporting troops, Connaught was torpedoed by the German submarine U-48 in the English Channel. The attack occurred around 13:45, with the first torpedo striking the aft starboard side, disabling her wireless communication. A second torpedo struck amidships on the port side fifteen minutes later, causing the vessel to sink within four minutes. The attack resulted in the loss of three crew members. The sinking took place approximately 29 miles south of the Light Vessel Owers, marking a significant maritime event during the wartime period. The loss of RMS Connaught exemplifies the peril faced by civilian and military ships during World War I and underscores her role within the broader context of maritime history.

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