The HM Paddle Steamer Birkenhead foundered on a rock pinnacle at 02h00 hrs, 26 February 1852, sinking in less than 20 minutes. Of the 638 souls onboard, 445 perished, leaving only 193 survivors.

What prompted me to include the sinking of the Birkenhead in these pages was the significance of this sinking. Indeed, the command, "Women and children first!" was first voiced on that fateful occasion.

For a splendid report on this tragedy, click here (49)

Another noteworthy Birkenhead page is for military historians. About the Scottish Highlanders, HLI, Argyll and Sutherland, and Black Watch, who went down with her. You will find it here

My thanks to Ursula Schairer of Stuttgart for bringing these sites to my attention.

Awaiting your comments/suggestions

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