Mircea

[shipstamps]

Roumania, in 1931 and again in 1936, depicted the training brig Mircea on stamps. She was built at Blackwall in 1882 and saw service almost up to the outbreak of the First World War. She was 118ft. in length and her gross tonnage was 345. She was fitted with an auxiliary steam engine of 160 i.h.p. and had a single funnel, but this is hidden by the sails in one of the stamp designs and only just visible in the other. She was replaced in 1939 by a new barque-rigged vessel of the same name, which has also been depicted on a recent Roumanian stamp issue.
SG1205 and 1344

[aukepalmhof]

Built as an auxiliary training barque on the Blackwall Dockyard of East India fame on the Thames, England.
Built for the Rumanian Government 1882.
Launched under the name MIRCEA named after Duke Mircea, which in the 14th century after a long battle against the Turks, Dobroedsja captured, which opened the sea trade routes for Walachije overseas.
Tonnage 360 tons, dim. 38 x 7.6 x 3.6m. (draught).
Auxiliary steam engine 160 ihp., speed 8 ½ knots.
Armament 2 - 1pdrs. but her armament was changed during her lifetime with the development of more modern weapons.
Accommodation for 80 crew including instructional staff and cadets.
Building cost £ 13.500.

12 August 1882 arrived at Rumania.
From 1882 until the First World War used as a training ship by the Rumanian Navy, she made during that time extensive cruises under sail.
1916 Laid up and stripped of her upper spars, after the war replaced, thereafter only used for special occasions, but most of her time used as a stationary schoolship.
1938 After a new vessel was commissioned, (MIRCEA II) was retired.
12 April 1944 destroyed by fire after a German air bombing attack.

Sources: Sail Training and Cadet Ships by Harold A Underhill.
Enzyklopädie der Maritimen Philatelie (NAVICULA)