QUOTE: "On February 25th, 1852 H.M. Troopship Birkenhead steamed out of Simon’s Bay near Cape Town set on course for disaster. The intended destination was Port Elizabeth.
The ship was iron built, and modern, by the famous John Laird shipbuilding family in 1845. She was just over 200 feet long and of 1400 tons. On board were 643 personnel and several officer’s horses. Among these was a draft for the Queen’s (Second) Royal Regiment of Foot consisting of a Corporal and fifty one men under the command of Ensign Boylan".
http://www.queensroyalsurreys.org.uk/1661to1966/birkenhead/birkenhead.html
The Birkenhead came to its fateful end after it struck a submerged rock just off Cape Point. The actions of the military men and Captain were heroic as recorded in the annals of history, where the command was given for women and children to be first in the lifeboats. Of the 643 passengers aboard more than two thirds lost their lives in the disaster.
