 The "Oxfordshire" was officially handed over to the Bibby Line on 14 February 1957 when she steamed towards Liverpool to commence her trooping role.On 28 February 1957 "Oxfordshire" left Liverpool on her maiden voyage under the command of Captain Norman Fitch, bound for Hong Kong via Cape Town.The vessel had the capacity to carry 1000 troops, 500 passengers (usually the families of the troops) and 409 crew members.