HMS Menestheus - WW2 Beer Ship - Forgotten History

HMS Menestheus was a former passenger liner launched in 1929. The ship was re-designed to offer a respite for allied soldiers and sailors fighting in the Pacific during World War II. The ship was retrofitted with a 55-barrel brewing pot, distilled and desalinated sea water heated from steam coils powered by the ship’s boiler. Being a designated rest and relaxation ship it had a pub, dance hall, and a theater. Hosted by Colin Heaton. Forgotten History is a 10th Legion Pictures Production.
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About us: Host/Military Historian/Film Consultant/US Army and Marine Corps Veteran - Colin Heaton
https://www.heatonlewisbooks.com
Screenwriter/Director/Producer/US Marine Corps Veteran - Michael Droberg
https://www.michaeldroberg.com
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Music Score: "Terminus" by Scott Buckley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-OUq4DeAZ4

-COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER UNDER SECTION 107 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976
- Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976,
allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

The Menestheus was sent to Vancouver, Canada in 1944 for the conversion process. Being a designated rest and relaxation ship it had a dance hall and a theater. The British did it right, recruiting master brewer George Brown of Truman’s Brewery, at that time one of the largest breweries in England. He was commissioned as a Royal Navy officer to oversee the onboard installation, operation and storage of the beverage. George Brown oversaw the process and installed six fermentation tanks producing 250 barrels of beer and ale per week. The first batch was produced and distributed on December 31, 1944. The result was a pale ale that was 3.7% alcohol, not too potent, but good enough to redefine the meaning of a booze cruise. The beer was stored in stainless steel kegs and kept refrigerated for transport, but visitors could enjoy a pint at the ship’s Davy Jones bar. #forgottenhistorychannel