The HMT Empire Windrush is a famous ship in British history.

But did you know it began life as a German cruise ship? Or that it played a part in World War II before becoming a symbol of hope for thousands of people?

Here’s everything you need to know…

1. The boat wasn’t always called Windrush.

When it was launched in December 1930, the ship was called the MV Monte Rosa.

It was built in Germany and was the last of five Monte-class passenger liners made by the Hamburg Süd Shipping Company.

Each ship was named after a mountain and Monte Rosa is the second highest mountain in the Alps!

2. It was originally a cruise ship and then turned into an immigration ship.

Monte Rosa was first used as a cruise ship, sailing between Germany and South America.

In the 1920s, cruises were very popular, but by the early 1930s, the Great Depression made cruising less affordable.

So, the ship was switched to carry immigrants – people moving to live in other countries, especially between Europe and South America.

3. During World War II, Monte Rosa was converted into a troopship for the German navy.

In 1940, Monte Rosa helped carry soldiers during the invasion of Norway.

Sadly, in 1942, it was also used to deport nearly 50 Jewish people from Norway.

4. The ship was damaged but not destroyed.

Monte Rosa was attacked several times during the war.

In 1944, it was hit by at least one torpedo from the RAF but managed to reach Denmark safely.

In 1945, it hit two mines in the Baltic Sea which damaged its hull. Even after all that, it stayed afloat until the end of the war.

5. It was captured and renamed by Britain.

After the war, in 1947, Monte Rosa was seized by the British as a prize of war.

It was renamed HMT Empire Windrush (HMT stands for His Majesty’s Transport) and used to carry British troops and demobilised servicemen across the world.

The new name followed a special pattern: “HMT” means His Majesty’s Transport, because it was used to carry soldiers.

“Empire” was a word often used on government ships at the time and “Windrush” comes from the River Windrush which is a tributary of the River Thames in the Cotswold.

6. There was space for over 1,000 people!

The HMT Empire Windrush was a large, white passenger ship with four decks and a tall funnel in the middle that gave off steam.

It had space for over 1,000 people and was built to carry both passengers and troops.

Inside, there were cabins with bunk beds, a dining room where people ate meals together, and areas where passengers could relax or play games.

The ship also had a small hospital and places to store luggage and supplies.

On the open deck, people could enjoy the fresh sea air, chat with others, and sometimes even dance to music during the journey.

7. It completed a voyage that changed Britain.

In June 1948, the Empire Windrush sailed into Tilbury Docks, near London, carrying 1,027 passengers, many of whom were from the Caribbean, especially Jamaica.

These people had been invited by the British government to help rebuild the country after the war.

This marked the beginning of what we now call the Windrush Generation.

8. The Windrush Generation came over to help rebuild post-war Britain.

The Windrush Generation includes people who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971.

They brought skills, culture and energy to help rebuild post-war Britain.

Today, they and their families are an important part of British life, contributing in schools, hospitals, transport, the arts and more.

9. The final voyage was in 1954.

In February 1954, the Empire Windrush began what would be her last voyage, sailing from Yokohama in Japan back to Britain.

On board were 1,498 people, including military personnel, families, women and children and 222 crew members.

The ship stopped at Hong Kong, Singapore, Colombo, Aden and Port Said on its way home.

10. The boat had a tragic end at sea.

On 28th March 1954, while sailing through the Mediterranean Sea, there were three loud bangs below deck.

A fire broke out in the engine room. Thick black smoke poured out of the funnels, and passengers were ordered to evacuate.

By 7:35am, the ship’s Master (captain) was the last person to leave the ship, before in sank into the sea.

Thankfully, all passengers were rescued but four crew members in the engine room sadly lost their lives.