HM Troopship Somersetshire was built in 1927 and converted into a troopship with accommodation for 1,300 troops.
In 1930 it was used according to Hartwell Glyn Watkins to transport him and the other Welsh Guards to Egypt.
In September 1939, the Somersetshire was requisitioned and converted into HM Hospital Ship No. 25 with 507 beds, 118 medical staff and 171 crew members.