History
The HMS Birkenhead gave way to the idea of ‘Women and children first’ rule used in maritime law. As the Birkenhead had struck a rock on a stormy night. Soldiers on the ship were ordered by a senior officer, with sword, drawn to stand on deck and wait for women and children to leave first. Once they left for shore the troops were told to jump and save themselves. Many died swimming for shore or from the vacuum from the ship. All women and children were saved.
Thomas Hemy/Williamson Art Gallery & Museum
Today many South Africans today commemorate the bravery of the soldiers and strict discipline on that fateful night.
Description
| Master | Captain Robert Salmond |
|---|---|
| People on board | 643 |
| Power | 564 hp |
| Speed | 10 knots ~ 12 mph (19 km/h) |
| Length | 209' 11 ½" feet (64 m) |
| Draft | 15' 1" feet (4.6 m) |
| Beam | 37' 1" feet (11.3 m) |
| Tonnage | 1400 ton |
| Displacement | 1918 ton |
Status
The site has been excavated and examined numerous times. The site is divided into sites with boilers and port paddles together while the engine and anchor are isolated.
