R.M.S. Otway, a ship that launched a thousand pocket squares

The liner 'R.M.S. Otway' (which became 'H.M.S. Otway' in 1914 when requisitioned as an armed merchant cruiser) was launched in Glasgow on 21st November, 1908 by Mrs Frederick Green. Named after the well-known headland on the Victorian coast of Australia, Cape Otway, and in the long tradition of giving their ships names starting with the letter 'O', the 'Otway' was designed for the Orient Line's mail and passenger service between England and Australia. From its maiden voyage in 1909, 'Otway' plied its trade between the two countries without incident and became a very popular ship.

During its wartime service, 'H.M.S. Otway' was part of the 10th Cruiser Squadron and mainly patrolled between NW Scotland and Iceland. On 22nd July, 1917 'Otway' left Loch Ewe for a patrol off Rockall. One of the senior officers onboard that day was First Lieutenant A.L. Owens, the grandfather of Otway & Orford's founder Mark Owens. First Lieutenant Owens was already an experienced Royal Navy and Merchant Navy officer and following the cessation of hostilities went on to become one of the most celebrated liner captains of the inter war period, known for his seamanship, his geniality with passengers and his sense of style, which always included a pocket square.

The 22nd July patrol was the final outing for the 'Otway'. Late in the evening a periscope was spotted and despite evasive action 'Otway' was hit by a torpedo causing the aft of the ship to flood and the death of 10 seamen, who were asleep directly above the explosion. At 11pm, the order was given to abandon ship leaving only the Commander, his Steward and First Lieutenant Owens. They dumped the vessel's secret papers overboard and stayed on the ship to prevent any of the U boat crew boarding. Just after midnight, the Commander called back one of the lifeboats and the men left the ship, which sank shortly afterwards. All the lifeboats were spotted early the following day and the surviving officers and crew were taken to Stornoway. U boat logs later showed that 'H.M.S. Otway' has been sunk by UC-49.

The full story of the sinking of the 'Otway' is detailed on the website 'Lost in Waters Deep'. The location of the last resting place of the ship is unknown but the team behind the 'Lost in Waters Deep' website are planning on searching for the wreck during 2025.

Having taken inspiration for our brand from First Lieutenant (later Captain) Owens and his love of pocket squares, we wanted to acknowledge his part in our existence. That's why we named ourselves after two of Captain Owens' ships, the 'Orford' and of course the 'Otway'.