Images Dated 5th June 2011

Loss of the HMS Birkenhead

"Vintage engraving from 1878 showing the loss of the Birkenhead. The Birkenhead was an iron paddle steamer of 1400 tons, and was launched in December 1845. On 26 February 1852, while transporting troops to Algoa Bay, she was wrecked at Danger Point near Gansbaai on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. There were not enough serviceable lifeboats for all the passengers, and the soldiers famously stood firm, thereby allowing the women and children to board the boats safely. Only 193 of the 643 people on board survived."

© duncan1890

Naturalist's Room on Board HMS Challenger

"Vintage engraving from 1878 showing the Naturalist's Room on Board HMS Challenger. The Challenger expedition of 1872aa76 was a scientific exercise that made many discoveries to lay the foundation of oceanography. On her 68,890-nautical-mile journey, 492 deep sea soundings, 133 bottom dredges, 151 open water trawls and 263 serial water temperature observations were taken. Also about 4,700 new species of marine life were discovered."

© duncan1890

Examining a haul on HMS Challenger

"Vintage engraving from 1878 showing scientists and sailors examining a haul on board HMS Challanger. The Challenger expedition of 1872aa76 was a scientific exercise that made many discoveries to lay the foundation of oceanography. On her 68,890-nautical-mile journey, 492 deep sea soundings, 133 bottom dredges, 151 open water trawls and 263 serial water temperature observations were taken. Also about 4,700 new species of marine life were discovered."

© duncan1890