Jenkin's Shire Line of 1860 and McGregor and Gow's Glen Line of 1867 were early operators of steamers in the highly competitive trades to China. Both become part of the Royal Mail Group, from whose collapse they were rescued by Holts. The resulting GLENEARN class had a magnificent war record, and spawned the Blue Funnel ‘A' class. Over 150 owned and managed ships featured.