The 'Lake Chelan' was originally named 'War Pansy' for the Cunard Steamship Company Limited having been built at the Toledo Shipbuilding Company, Ohio, US. She was launched during 1918 and asigned to the British government for service during World War I.

She was of 2,010 gross and 1,227 net register tons being 252.0 ft. long x 43.42 ft. breath x 18.75 ft. deep.

Between 1944 and 1948 she was under the control of the UK Ministry of War, firstly being managed by William France, Fenwick & Company and from 1945, John Tyrrell Limited of Cardiff. On the 6th June 1944 she was involved in the D-Day landings in Normandy.

During April 1949 she was scrapped at Penarth by Marine Metals Limited. [949] [950]

John Tyrrell Limited, ship brokers, of 3 Bute Place, Cardiff, went into administration during May 1970. [100]