5 replies to this topic

[paul_adam]

I am researching a man who drowned after falling from S-44 on the Tigris. I am assuming S-44 was a boat of some description and wondered if anyone could shed any light on what type of vessel it was?

Many Thanks,

Paul

[sotonmate]

Paul

I have no specific info either, I am just reflecting on the number of requests here for the vessel complement of the Tigris during the Mespot campaign.There must be a place where an inventory is shown,maybe in one of the ADM files for the River Control at Basrah,after all they all had to pass that port to operate,to follow orders,and/or return for collecting troops and supplies for shipment upriver from ocean-going vessels, which would not have had much luck in navigating the shoaly riverbed ! My judgement would be for something like a supply barge or a troop carrier. The gunboats were largely of the FLY Class,there were 16 of them,built as kits in Glasgow and assembled on arrival at the top of the Gulf.

Sotonmate

[paul_adam]

Thanks SM,

I think you are right about the likelihood of it being a trooopship - his papers are in a poor state but the phrase 'troops' is on there, which I should have spotted before. My man was with the 2nd RWK's mostly on the Euphrates, which I understand was even less suitable for river traffic, but did end up on the Tigris obviously, but I think not until mid 1917.

I have looked to see if there were any books on the subject and see there is one on the Gunboats and another on Inland Water Transport In Mesopotamia which I will see if I can access....you never know. Where would the ADM files for River Contol reside? Would that be within the Nat Arch?

Paul

[sotonmate]

Paul

Yes, at Kew. I have a bit of practice at delving in the Catalogue and will see what I can dig up.

Sotonmate

Edit: That seemed easy ! Three files entitled:
Mesopotamia River Operations 1914-1917.
ADM137/204 Part 1 Reports
ADM137/205 Appendices,and,
ADM137/206 Maps.

S

[sotonmate]

Paul

I now seem to remember that there were quite a few vessels of the Indian Marine (British Officers) who were deployed to this theatre.Doubtless a schedule will be within this Report.
There was some disquiet in 1914 about the amount of non-indigenous traffic engaged on the Rivers of Mespot in carrying away date cargoes ! These could well have been deflected to military use,the vessels not the dates !

Sotonmate

[paul_adam]

Thanks SM, I plan to go to Kew in March so will see what I can find in the files you kindly reference. I am sure some of the dates would have come in handy for the military too - the supply chain seems to have been as rotten as some of the vessels they had to put to use. I've only just started reading up on the campaign, and it seems it wasn't the best organised or supplied.
Appreciate your help.

Paul