SS Gallic (1918)

The SS Gallic (1918) was a cargo steamship built by Harland & Wolff, Belfast, for the White Star Line. She was the second vessel to bear this name, the first being an earlier Gallic built in 1884. This later Gallic was primarily used for cargo transport and troop conveyance, particularly in the period following World War I.

Launched on 18 December 1917 and completed in March 1918, the ship displaced 7,877 gross register tons. She was a relatively utilitarian vessel, designed more for functionality than luxury passenger service. During and immediately after World War I, she was used to transport troops and supplies.

In 1920, the Gallic ran aground off the coast of Newfoundland. The ship was successfully refloated and repaired. She continued to serve the White Star Line, primarily on routes connecting the United Kingdom with Australia and New Zealand, carrying cargo and a limited number of passengers.

The Gallic remained in service until 1933 when she was sold to the Japanese firm Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha and renamed Kowa Maru. Her service under her new owners was short-lived; she was wrecked off the coast of Japan in December 1933.