ICONS OF THEIR TIME

摘要

The title Royal Mail Ship (RMS) or Royal Mail Steamer has graced some of the most glamorous, famous and large passenger ships of all time. Between 1840 and the 1940s, the vessels transported mail to and from Great Britain all over the World. In total 202 vessels have carried the RMS title, but after the Second World War, the rapid development of air freight reduced international delivery times to hours ratherthan days and, in doing so, largely removed the need for mail ships. Today, although four vessels still carry the title, only one carries mail in the traditional sense - RMS St Helena delivers mail to the eponymous remote South Atlantic island, which, remarkably, still lacks an airport. As well as carrying passengers and mail, the vessel is a lifeline for residents as it is the sole transport for goods and supplies. From wind turbines to automotive parts, sheep, goats, and Christmas turkeys to furniture, food and paint, everything has to be carried by the RMS St Helena- making it a unique blend of passenger ship and cargo vessel, reminiscent of a bygone era of travel.