RMS (or SS)[a] Knight of Malta was a cargo liner built by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd in 1929.

[3][1] The Knight of Malta was built by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd at the Neptune Yard, Low Walker in Newcastle upon Tyne.

[5] She was carrying troops from Alexandria to Tobruk, being escorted by the anti-submarine whaler HMSAS Southern Maid, when she ran aground 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) west of Ras Azzaz, Libya.

[5] On 8 March, the Egyptian steamer Star of Mex also ran aground nearby, but she was towed successfully to Alexandria.

[5] Salvage of the Knight of Malta was abandoned on 10 March, after the corvette HMS Peony and the tug St Issey were attacked.