The 13,000 ton Cunard liner was built at the Swan Hunter yard on the Tyne and its maiden voyage was in May 1903. It was designed to carry emigrants from Europe to the United States. The vessel achieved lasting fame when under Captain Rostron, she dashed sixty miles to the assistance of the Titanic and picked up 700 survivors. There was insufficient food on board for the liner to continue its voyage to Europe, so Carpathia returned to New York, where the full story of the Titanic became known. The survivors awarded a medal to the crew and officers. It read:

PRESENTED TO THE CAPTAIN, OFFICERS AND CREW
OF
 
R.M.S. 'CARPATHIA'
In recognition of gallant
and heroic services
 
From the survivors
of the
S.S. 'TITANIC'
April 15th 1912

The Carpathia carried a section of the Roman Wall (from her home port Wallsend) under glass.