54 days from UK to Basra, was that normal?

[Skipman]

The 2nd Black Watch diary records that from the 3rd to the 17th December 1916 "The following drafts joined from the United Kingdom on dates as stated Capt E H Willett, 2/Lts P E Smythe and A E Bairstow and 100 men on the 13th, and Capt J B S Haldane 2/Lts D Murray-Stewart M Jamieson and 89 men on the 14th." It adds "These parties left UK as one draft and proceeded via the Cape, Bombay, Basra and were 54 days at sea." Is that a normal length of time to reach Mesopotamia at this time?

Mike

 

[seaJane]

According to http://ports.com/sea-route/port-of-liverpool,united-kingdom/port-of-mumbai,india/, going from Liverpool to Bombay at 10 knots, via Suez, the voyage would take 29 or 30 days.

Taking the Cape Route to avoid the Suez Canal would add 14 or 15 days to the normal voyage time.

Then (same website) 7 or 8 days to Basrah = anything from 50 to 53 days in total.

Plus stops in port to refuel or revictual or deliver/collect mails?

And tides, weather and the normal steaming speed of a troop ship would all have a bearing.

[Skipman]

Many thanks both that makes sense. I haven't studied Mespot beyond the battle of Hanna and will have to look into it in more detail. Thanks again.

 

Mike

[Gardenerbill]

This topic appears to be in the wrong sub forum, shouldn't it be in 'Middle East & North Africa" ?

[Skipman]

19 minutes ago, Gardenerbill said:

This topic appears to be in the wrong sub forum, shouldn't it be in 'Middle East & North Africa" ?

Sorry yes of course. Apologies. I will ask the mods to move.

 

Mike

[seaJane]

For comparison, here are some Royal Navy GW logbooks with accompanying maps: https://www.naval-history.net/OWShips-LogBooksWW1.htm

sJ

[Skipman]

Thanks seaJane.

 

Mike