Empress of Asia was built in 1913 by the Fairfield Shipbuilding & engineering Co. Ltd. in Scotland, sponsored by GM Bosworth (wife of the Vice-President of the CPR). She was owned by the CPR from 1913-1942. In 1914-1916, 1918-1919 she was in Admirality service as a troopship, and otherwise was in Pacific service. In 1942 she was bombed by Japanese planes and sunk 16 miles from Singapore. The wreck was salvaged after the war.

Empress of Russia was built in 1912 by the Fairfield Shipbuilding & engineering Co. Ltd. in Scotland, sponsored by Mrs. W. Beauclerk (daughter of Sir T. Shaughnessy the Chairman of the CPR). Owned by CPR in 1912-1945. In 1914-1916 she was an armed merchant cruiser, 1918-1919 and 1940-1945 was a troopship on Atlantic service, and otherwise was in Pacific service.

The file contains correspondence regarding the requisition of the vessel for the Second World War between Captain E. Aikman Manager of the Canadian Pacific Steamships Ltd, AA Stephens, FA Willsher, AG Donald the Assistant Superintendent Engineer for Fairfield Shipbuilding, W Metcalf, Ministry of Shipping in London.

Series consists of records relating to the correspondence between members of the Steamship Inspectors Office including the Chairman, Senior Steamship Inspectors and Steamship Inspectors, amongst others regarding inspections done before and after the requisition of vessels for the second world war. There is also additional correspondence, including with the owners of the vessels.