Exeter

(Albatros AL-165)

Service: Exeter was one of the "Four Aces" along with Excalibur, Excambion, and Exochorda, all built for American Export Lines of New York. Served on New York - Mediterranean route. Exeter commissioned by U.S. Navy 18 Apr 1942 as troopship USS Edward Rutledge, AP-52. Sunk during Operation Torch (invasion of North Africa) by German submarine U130 in Fedala Roads, 12 Nov 1942.
Exochorda commissioned 27 Dec 1940 as transport USS Harry Lee, AP-17; later redesignated attack transport APA-10. Returned to civilian service in 1946; sold to Turkey 1948 and renamed Tarsus. Excalibur commissioned 1 May 1942 as transport USS Joseph Hewes, AP-50; sunk in Fedala Roads during Operation Torch, 11 Nov 1942 by U173. Excambion commissioned 9 May 1942 as transport USS John Penn, AP-51; later redesignated attack transport APA-23. Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Guadalcanal 13 Aug 1943.