War Baron was a steam cargo ship built in 1916–17 by Northwest Steel Company of Portland for Lauritz Kloster of Stavanger.

[2][3] As the ship was the first steel freighter to be built in Portland, the launching ceremony was open to the public, and was attended by a large number of common folk as well as local dignitaries.

As Vesterlide was launched, two hawsers holding her bow failed and the freighter lunged into water travelling about half a mile across the Willamette River and smashing into sternwheeler Ruth hitting her amidships and opening a wide hole in her.

[3] While the ships were still being built, A/S Klosters Rederi decided to divest two of them due to delays in delivery and uncertainties related to ongoing World War I.

[6] After successful completion of sea trials War Baron returned to Tacoma to load cargo and was handed over to the Cunard Line officials on 14 July.

[citation needed] The steam for the engine was supplied by three single-ended Scotch marine boilers fitted for both coal and oil fuel.

At about 16:45 local time while about 8 nautical miles (15 km) northeast of Godrevy Lighthouse, she was struck amidships by a torpedo launched by German submarine U-55.