RFA Maine (1924)

RFA Maine (1924) was a Royal Fleet Auxiliary hospital ship built by Harland and Wolff, Belfast. Launched on 26 June 1924, she served the British Royal Navy from her completion until she was sunk by a German U-boat in 1940 during World War II. She was designed and equipped specifically for the purpose of providing medical care and transportation for wounded and sick naval personnel.

She was a key part of the Royal Navy's medical support infrastructure and participated in various fleet operations throughout the interwar period. With the outbreak of World War II, RFA Maine was heavily involved in the evacuation and treatment of casualties from various theaters of operation, including the Norwegian Campaign and the Dunkirk evacuation.

On 21 August 1940, while on passage in the English Channel, RFA Maine was torpedoed and sunk by U-57. The sinking resulted in the loss of nursing staff, medical personnel, and crew members. The loss of the Maine was a significant blow to the Royal Navy's medical capabilities at a critical point in the war. The sinking was controversial because hospital ships were supposed to be protected under international law, although Germany claimed the Maine was being used for purposes beyond solely medical transport.