HNLMS Colombia (1930)

HNLMS Colombia was originally an ocean liner, registered as MS Colombia. She was the flagship of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Stoomboot-Maatschappij. She would be commandeered and militarized by the Royal Netherlands Navy on 8 November 1940.

Service history

Serving as a troopship during the first year of her career with the Royal Netherlands Navy, Colombia was converted at Dundee into a submarine tender with the conversion work lasting from 1 May to 18 September 1941. She served in her role as submarine tender until she was torpedoed by the, off the coast of Simonstown, Union of South Africa, on 27 February 1943. Eight of the 326 crew died during her sinking, with remaining survivors rescued by and a Royal Air Force launch.