The designation SS West Cawthon does not correspond to a widely recognized or documented entity in established reference works, maritime registries, or historical records that are readily accessible. Consequently, comprehensive encyclopedic details such as construction date, shipbuilder, dimensions, service history, or fate cannot be verified.
Possible contextual interpretation
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Naming convention: During the World War I era, the United States Shipping Board commissioned a series of cargo vessels with the prefix “West,” reflecting their construction on the West Coast of the United States. These “West” ships were often given a second name, typically a surname or a place name. It is plausible that “Cawthon” could have been intended as such a second name, possibly honoring an individual (e.g., a shipyard executive, naval officer, or other notable figure bearing the surname Cawthon).
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Ship type: If the vessel existed, it would likely have been a steam-powered cargo ship (hence the “SS” prefix for “Steam Ship”) built in the late 1910s or early 1920s, similar to other members of the West‑series fleet.
Conclusion
Due to the lack of verifiable sources, SS West Cawthon cannot be confidently described as a specific, historically documented ship or other established concept. Further research in specialized maritime archives or primary shipbuilding records would be required to determine whether a vessel by this name was ever constructed, commissioned, or otherwise recorded.