Builders: Pearce, Stockton on Tees 1875
Propulsion type: Paddle compound oscillating
Owners: General Steam Navigation Co Ltd
Service dates: 1875 - 1901
Tonnage: Gross 625
Comments:
Swift and Swallow, the final paddle cargo vessels for GSNC, were constructed in the 1875 for European trade. They carried passengers and cargo to the Continent and were also used on the service to Great Yarmouth. Swallow may also have gone to Ipswich. The trip from London to Ostend (where Swallow is shown here) was around ten hours and both ships provided a good standard of accommodation for their passengers, as well as being good sea boats. Swallow was sold to breakers in 1901 after 26 years service, when the newer Alouette (French for Swallow) was introduced.