Clyde (1871 ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | City of Poona |
| Owner | Smith George and Company |
| Builder | Charles Connell and Company, Scotstoun |
| Laid down | 1870 |
| Launched | 1871 |
| Out of service | Sold 1878 |
| History | |
| Name | Clyde |
| Owner | Temperleys, Carter and Drake |
| Acquired | 1878 |
| Fate | Sunk 3 April 1879 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 2256 grt |
| Length | 99.06 metres (325.0 ft) |
| Beam | 10.97 metres (36.0 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2-cylinder compound steam engine driving a single screw |
The SS Clyde was a steamship that started its life as the SS City of Poona in 1871. It was owned by Smith George and Company until 1878. Then, it was sold to Temperleys, Carter and Drake and given a new name: Clyde.
In 1879, the Clyde became a troopship. It carried British Army soldiers to Southern Africa. These soldiers were reinforcements for the Anglo-Zulu War. On April 3, 1879, the ship hit a reef near Dyer Island and sank. Luckily, everyone on board was saved! They were taken to the mainland using the ship's own boats. The next day, another ship, HMS Tamar, arrived to pick up the soldiers and take them to the war zone.
Building the Ship
The City of Poona was built by Charles Connell and Company. This company was located in Scotstoun, a town on the River Clyde in Scotland. Construction began in 1870, and the ship was launched in 1871.
The City of Poona had a special 2-cylinder steam engine. This engine powered a single propeller, allowing the ship to travel up to 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph). The ship was 99.06 metres (325.0 ft) long and 10.97 metres (36.0 ft) wide. It had a gross register tonnage of 2,256. This number tells you how much space is inside the ship for cargo and passengers.
The City of Poona began its service with Smith George and Company in 1871. Seven years later, in 1878, it was bought by Temperleys, Carter and Drake and renamed Clyde.
The Shipwreck
In 1879, the British Army needed more soldiers in Southern Africa. This was because the 1st battalion of the 24th Regiment of Foot had lost many men in a battle. So, new recruits and soldiers from other units were sent to the Colony of Natal. Their mission was to help with a second invasion of the Zululand.
About 541 officers and men boarded the Clyde in England for this long journey. On the morning of April 3, the Clyde reached Dyer Island. This island is about 4.8 kilometres (3 mi) from the African mainland. It is also about 110 kilometres (70 mi) south-east of Simon's Town.
Around 4:30 AM, the ship hit a reef between the island and the mainland. Everyone quickly realized the situation was serious. The ship's small boats were used to take people to the mainland. They started at 6:20 AM, first taking the sick passengers. The sea was calm, which made the rescue easier. By 11:30 AM, almost all the soldiers were off the ship. Only a small group stayed behind to help.
These remaining men worked to save the soldiers' luggage until 1:30 PM. At that point, it was clear the ship was sinking and could not be saved. The last men were then taken ashore. Amazingly, no one was lost in the sinking, neither passengers nor crew. The rescued men set up a camp about 3.2 kilometres (2 mi) inland. A local farmer helped them carry their saved luggage to the camp using his wagon.
At 8:00 AM, the chief officer of the Clyde had left in a boat. He was heading to Simon's Town to get help. He reported the shipwreck at 10:30 PM. The Royal Navy quickly sent HMS Tamar to the scene. The Tamar arrived at 9:00 AM on April 4. By then, only the masts and funnel of the Clyde could be seen above the water.
The soldiers were then moved from the mainland onto the Tamar. This process was almost finished by 1:30 PM. Just then, HMS Tenedos also arrived to help.
What Happened Next
The sinking of the Clyde was the second shipping problem for this invasion. Earlier, on March 23, the SS City of Paris (1865) had also run aground. That ship was carrying troops and supplies in Simon's Bay. Like the Clyde, no one was hurt on the City of Paris, and it was also rescued by HMS Tamar.
All the supplies on board the Clyde were lost. This included a lot of ammunition for guns. The shipwreck also caused a delay in the soldiers reaching Natal. The Tamar and Tenedos had to go back to Simon's Town first. Then, they carried the men to Durban, arriving on April 7.
One of the officers, Lieutenant Jahleel Brenton Carey, was praised for his actions during the sinking. He had just finished training at the Staff College, Camberley. His good work during the shipwreck might have led to him getting an important job. He became the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General for Lord Chelmsford's staff.
