TROOPSHIP

[nosaj]

aNY MEMBERS GOT ANY INFO ON THE SINKING OF THE SHIP "ivern IN THE MED ABOUT EARLY 1917 RSF ON BOARD AT THE TIME, SURVIVOUS TO MALTA. mANY THANKS cHRIS

[spithead]

Chris

From 'Dictionary of Disasters at Sea'

IVERNIA

Cunard S.S. Co.; 1900; C. S. Swan & Humer; 14,278 tons;

582x64-9x37-8; 1,668 n.h.p.; 16 knots; quadruple-expansion

engines.

The liner Ivernia, commissioned as an auxiliary transport, was

torpedoed and sunk on January 1st, 1917, 58 miles S.E. of Cape

Matapan when on her way to Alexandria. At the time of the attack

the Ivernia was carrying about 2,400 troops of the Argyle & Sutherland

Highlanders, Royal Scots Fusiliers, Rifle Brigade and Yeomanry.

Of these three officers and 82 other ranks were drowned.

The ship's surgeon, the chief engineer and 34 of the crew were also

drowned.

The submarine responsible for the sinking was the UB-47, which

was one of the craft sent from Germany to the Mediterranean in

sections and assembled at Pola. She was commanded by Lt. Cdr.

Steinbauer who had torpedoed the French battleship Gaulois (which

see), a few days previously.

Regards John

[nosaj]

Many thanks john for your quick reply. Chris

[melliget]

Chris.

Here are the RSF casualties on the Ivernia (01/01/1917), all with the 1st/5th Bn and commemorated at the Mikra Memorial in Greece:

BATY, JOHN GEORGE, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

BEATH, ANDREW, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

BURNS, JOHN, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

COULL, JAMES, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

FAGAN, JOHN, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

FRASER, DOUGLAS, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

GREIG, JOHN, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

KERR, JAMES, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

McCONACHIE, JOSEPH CORNELIUS, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

McGAFFNEY, THOMAS, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

MURRAY, FRANK, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

regards,

Martin

p.s. The attachment below is part of the complete list.

[nosaj]

Chris.

Here are the RSF casualties on the Ivernia (01/01/1917), all with the 1st/5th Bn and commemorated at the Mikra Memorial in Greece:

BATY, JOHN GEORGE, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

BEATH, ANDREW, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

BURNS, JOHN, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

COULL, JAMES, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

FAGAN, JOHN, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

FRASER, DOUGLAS, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

GREIG, JOHN, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

KERR, JAMES, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

McCONACHIE, JOSEPH CORNELIUS, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

McGAFFNEY, THOMAS, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

MURRAY, FRANK, Private, Royal Scots Fusiliers

regards,

Martin

p.s. The attachment below is part of the complete list.

Many thanks also to you Martin , this is an added bit to my grandfathers history during WW1 which I was not aware of. Chris

[bigglesbear]

hi, ive been researching the Ivernia for about a year now. with the intention of writing a book on the ship up to the final fateful day. (1/1/1917). ive just about got to the actual disaster day, but have done some preliminary research on casualties, survivors, etc etc. Its not easy getting survivor lists. unless some one knows better.(any help greatly received). but the cwgc is good for merchant men casualties for ivernia at Tower hill. though for some reason not complete. according to my research any way. also as previously stated, Mikra . check out the casualties for that date and match them to the units aboard. not foolproof though, as there were many other events happening that day. if i can help , dont hesitate.................... IN MEMORY OF Andrew Campbell Wilson. Chief engineer . SS Ivernia and all others who perished 1st January 1917..............regards Bb

[Kath]

Some time ago a photo album with pics of the Ivernia sinking was on ebay.

Kath.

[melliget]

Hi.

The Times published a casualty list for the crew of the Ivernia on the 9 Jan 1917. Cross-checking this with the CWGC site, there are some obvious errors. Also, the ship name for several on CWGC is misspelt "Ivemia" and one "Iverina", which is why Geoff's Search Engine doesn't list all names (also misses Harpas because he was IMS). After corrections/additions, here's a list of 35 names (unless noted otherwise, service is Mercantile Marine and Tower Hill Memorial):

BARNES, HENRY, Fireman, age 36

CHEW, ROBERT, Fireman, age 25

EDWARDS, JAMES, Cook, age 26

EDWARDS, JOHN GEORGE, Waiter, age 35

EDWARDS, ROBERT ARTHUR, Trimmer, age 18

FOULKES, FREDERICK, Scullion, age 20

FREW, JAMES, Donkeyman, age 60

GANAIT, KARL, Trimmer, age 20

GARRIGAN, PATRICK, Fireman, age 33

GILBY, ALBERT JOSEPH, Barkeeper, age 27

GOODWIN, WILLIAM, Waiter, age 39

GRAHAM, WILLIAM, Waiter, age 18

HANIGAN, JAMES, Greaser. age 63

HARPAS, OMEY, Trimmer, Indian Merchant Service, BOMBAY 1914-1918 MEMORIAL

HARRISON, JAMES, Fireman, age 39

HOLLAND, JOHN FRANCIS, Ordinary Seaman, age 15

JONES, JOHN OWEN, 2nd Steward, age 42

KITTOW, EDWARD SYDNEY DUNN, Waiter, age 34

LINGWOOD, THOMAS HENRY, Waiter, age 23

McCARTNEY, WILLIAM, Trimmer, age 22

McDERMOTT, EDWARD, Trimmer, age 23

McEVOY, THOMAS, Fireman, age 29

McGUIRK, JAMES, Fireman, age 36

McHALE, JAMES, Fireman, age 35

MORLEY, MARTIN JOSEPH, Fireman, age 41

NOLAN, EDWARD, Seaman, age 24

PARKER, JOSEPH EDMUND, Surgeon, age 54

PHILLIPS, PATRICK, Trimmer, age 20

SHEA, JOHN, Fireman, age 47

SHEA, THOMAS, Fireman, age 20

SHERIDAN, HENRY PATRICK, Able Seaman, age 62

SHINGLER, FREDERICK, Waiter, age 47

THOMPSON, THOMAS, Boatswain's Mate, age 40

WARD, JOHN JOSEPH, Fireman, age 32

WILSON, ANDREW CAMPBELL, Chief Engineer

What a range of ages, from 15 to 63! There was one name on the list from The Times that I couldn't reconcile, J. Wilson, trimmer. Couldn't find a match on CWGC.

A casualty list of troops on the Ivernia appeared in The Times 13 Jan 1917. It's in two parts (bottom of one column, top of the next): Part1, Part2

regards,

Martin

[nosaj]

Hi.

The Times published a casualty list for the crew of the Ivernia on the 9 Jan 1917. Cross-checking this with the CWGC site, there are some obvious errors. Also, the ship name for several on CWGC is misspelt "Ivemia" and one "Iverina", which is why Geoff's Search Engine doesn't list all names (also misses Harpas because he was IMS). After corrections/additions, here's a list of 35 names (unless noted otherwise, service is Mercantile Marine and Tower Hill Memorial):

BARNES, HENRY, Fireman, age 36

CHEW, ROBERT, Fireman, age 25

EDWARDS, JAMES, Cook, age 26

EDWARDS, JOHN GEORGE, Waiter, age 35

EDWARDS, ROBERT ARTHUR, Trimmer, age 18

FOULKES, FREDERICK, Scullion, age 20

FREW, JAMES, Donkeyman, age 60

GANAIT, KARL, Trimmer, age 20

GARRIGAN, PATRICK, Fireman, age 33

GILBY, ALBERT JOSEPH, Barkeeper, age 27

GOODWIN, WILLIAM, Waiter, age 39

GRAHAM, WILLIAM, Waiter, age 18

HANIGAN, JAMES, Greaser. age 63

HARPAS, OMEY, Trimmer, Indian Merchant Service, BOMBAY 1914-1918 MEMORIAL

HARRISON, JAMES, Fireman, age 39

HOLLAND, JOHN FRANCIS, Ordinary Seaman, age 15

JONES, JOHN OWEN, 2nd Steward, age 42

KITTOW, EDWARD SYDNEY DUNN, Waiter, age 34

LINGWOOD, THOMAS HENRY, Waiter, age 23

McCARTNEY, WILLIAM, Trimmer, age 22

McDERMOTT, EDWARD, Trimmer, age 23

McEVOY, THOMAS, Fireman, age 29

McGUIRK, JAMES, Fireman, age 36

McHALE, JAMES, Fireman, age 35

MORLEY, MARTIN JOSEPH, Fireman, age 41

NOLAN, EDWARD, Seaman, age 24

PARKER, JOSEPH EDMUND, Surgeon, age 54

PHILLIPS, PATRICK, Trimmer, age 20

SHEA, JOHN, Fireman, age 47

SHEA, THOMAS, Fireman, age 20

SHERIDAN, HENRY PATRICK, Able Seaman, age 62

SHINGLER, FREDERICK, Waiter, age 47

THOMPSON, THOMAS, Boatswain's Mate, age 40

WARD, JOHN JOSEPH, Fireman, age 32

WILSON, ANDREW CAMPBELL, Chief Engineer

What a range of ages, from 15 to 63! There was one name on the list from The Times that I couldn't reconcile, J. Wilson, trimmer. Couldn't find a match on CWGC.

A casualty list of troops on the Ivernia appeared in The Times 13 Jan 1917. It's in two parts (bottom of one column, top of the next): Part1, Part2

Thanks to all for info on Ivernia, have been told that there are photos of RS.F ON RAFTS IN WATER in the "TIMES" at time of sinking, will check. Chris

regards,

Martin

[Guest jimwcw]

You may be interested in the Board of Trade and Admiralty board of enquiry papers at NA - I got copies a couple of years ago plus the log of the escort, HMS Rifleman, with a reference to the sinking. There were problems with lifeboats and lack of AB's to man them.

The Times History of the War has pictures said to be of the sinking including Scots soldiers on boats. My Grandfather was on the Ivernia at the time of the sinking with the RSF and was taken off when Rifleman came alongside - something for which its captain was commended. My Grandfather makes a short mention of the incident - the vessels names have been censored - in a letter home from Egypt however as he was killed in action at Gaza on 19th April 1917 that is all the information I have from him.

[Guest andrewfyfe]

You may be interested in the Board of Trade and Admiralty board of enquiry papers at NA - I got copies a couple of years ago plus the log of the escort, HMS Rifleman, with a reference to the sinking. There were problems with lifeboats and lack of AB's to man them.

The Times History of the War has pictures said to be of the sinking including Scots soldiers on boats. My Grandfather was on the Ivernia at the time of the sinking with the RSF and was taken off when Rifleman came alongside - something for which its captain was commended. My Grandfather makes a short mention of the incident - the vessels names have been censored - in a letter home from Egypt however as he was killed in action at Gaza on 19th April 1917 that is all the information I have from him.

My grandfather was also on board on his way back to join his regiment the Rifle Brigade in Egypt but was wounded getting from the Ivernia to the rescue boat. He took many pictures of the event and one which he described as "hardy Scots" leaving in lifeboats and rafts.

[Guest andrewfyfe]

aNY MEMBERS GOT ANY INFO ON THE SINKING OF THE SHIP "ivern IN THE MED ABOUT EARLY 1917 RSF ON BOARD AT THE TIME, SURVIVOUS TO MALTA. mANY THANKS cHRIS

My grandfather was on board on his way to Egypt. He was rescued and took pictures both before being rescued and after. The ship was sunk Jan 1, 1917. There is a previous post about this in 2005 which I have read. Also this document which I attach describes the sinking.

[nosaj]

My grandfather was on board on his way to Egypt. He was rescued and took pictures both before being rescued and after. The ship was sunk Jan 1, 1917. There is a previous post about this in 2005 which I have read. Also this document which I attach describes the sinking.

Hello Andrew, Thanks for your inclusion regarding the sinking of the troopship " Ivernia", I have been away for some time that is why I have,nt answered before, you say that you attached a document but I am sorry to say that it did not arrive, is it possible that you could send it again. Chris.

[historydavid]

I have one additional name to those given by Martin:

NUGEND, J, Fireman, MMR, 1198 15/16, IVERNIA - HMT, 29-May-15, Grave ref I F 101, East Mudros Military Cemetery, Lemnos, Greece.

Best wishes

David

[sadsac]

Chris, one award for assistance to IVERNIA ;

DURHAM Richard S N/E Lt. RNR 84S012 H.M.A.T. Princess Mary

Senior Naval Officer Malta 27.06.17 Gazetted

Auxiliary Patrols to 31.12.16 DSC

For the excellent services rendered in connection with the torpedoing of S.S. "Ivernia", and the towing of prize "Kohana" and has on other occasions rendered very valuable services in connection with torpedoed vessels. He has shown himself at all times a most zealous and capable officer and is in every way worthy of recognition.

Regards Sadsac

[nosaj]

Chris, one award for assistance to IVERNIA ;

DURHAM Richard S N/E Lt. RNR 84S012 H.M.A.T. Princess Mary

Senior Naval Officer Malta 27.06.17 Gazetted

Auxiliary Patrols to 31.12.16 DSC

For the excellent services rendered in connection with the torpedoing of S.S. "Ivernia", and the towing of prize "Kohana" and has on other occasions rendered very valuable services in connection with torpedoed vessels. He has shown himself at all times a most zealous and capable officer and is in every way worthy of recognition.

Regards Sadsac

Thanks to sadsac and historydavid for their additions to the thread. Chris.

[stiletto_33853]

Chris,

Not sure if these are of use to you. These are the Rifle Brigade (Territorial) men lost on the Ivernia, all taken from the medal rolls.

207178. Rfn, Harold Rawlings, 19th RB, ex 4476 19th London Regiment

217105. Rfn, John William Hart, 20th RB

207125. Rfn, Reginald Frederick Johnson, 20th RB

207135. Rfn, Albert Kempshall, 20th RB

207176. Rfn, Solomon Price, 20th RB

207214. Rfn, Samson Tolliday, 20th RB

207473. Rfn, Dick Hubbard, 20th RB

207601. Rfn, Samuel Young, 19th RB

207621. Rfn, John Francis, 19th RB

207636. Rfn, William Henry Coles, 19th RB

207645. Rfn, Arthur Thomas, 19th RB

207699. Rfn, John Edward Holton, 19th RB

207823. Rfn, Percy Hill, 19th RB

207833. Rfn, John McKinney, 19th RB

207867. Rfn, Percy Walter Skues, 19th RB, ex 1819 4th London Regiment

207880. Rfn, Robert John Sullivan, 19th RB, ex 2511 4th London Regiment

207883. Rfn, Phillip John Sham, 19th RB, ex 1993 3rd London Regiment

207936. Rfn, Harold Yates, 20th RB

207968. Rfn, Edward Henry Judd, 19th RB

208000. Rfn, William Poole, 19th RB

208005. Rfn, Ernest William George Linstell, 19th RB

208027. Rfn, Sydney Cox, 19th RB

207551. Rfn, Joseph Musgrove, 19th RB, ex 4157 1/6th Durham L.I.

207571. Rfn, Albert William Ryder, 19th RB, ex 3163 1/4th Yorkshire Regiment

207674. Rfn, John James Gold, 19th RBV, ex 2014 2nd London Regiment

207625. Rfn, George Marlier, 19th RB, ex 1746 3rd London Regiment

207829. Rfn, Percy Frank Noon, 19th RB, ex 2299 6th London Regiment

207845. Rfn, Albert Edward Dann, 19th RB, ex 4039 6th London Regiment

207853. Rfn, James Richard Waters, 19th RB, ex 2662 3rd London Regiment

208010. Rfn, William Henry Belbin, 20th RB, ex R/17840 2nd K.R.R.C.

208341. Rfn, Abel Netley Reseigh, 20th RB, ex 3/6153 3rd D.C.L.I.

208096. Rfn, James Carrington, 20th RB, ex 39736 Devon Regiment

208116. Rfn, Albert James Hipkiss, 20th RB, ex 6188 4th Worcesters

208132. Rfn, Harry Frampton, 20th RB, ex 3/4581 10th Hampshire Regiment.

Andy

[nosaj]

Chris,

Not sure if these are of use to you. These are the Rifle Brigade (Territorial) men lost on the Ivernia, all taken from the medal rolls.

Andy, Yes they of use to me, being an ex-regular sailor I find in interesting to find out the number of men who died in the sinking and of what regiment they belong too, it looks like it depended on what part of the ship they were in at the time the torpedo struck . Interesting??. Chris. 207178. Rfn, Harold Rawlings, 19th RB, ex 4476 19th London Regiment

217105. Rfn, John William Hart, 20th RB

207125. Rfn, Reginald Frederick Johnson, 20th RB

207135. Rfn, Albert Kempshall, 20th RB

207176. Rfn, Solomon Price, 20th RB

207214. Rfn, Samson Tolliday, 20th RB

207473. Rfn, Dick Hubbard, 20th RB

207601. Rfn, Samuel Young, 19th RB

207621. Rfn, John Francis, 19th RB

207636. Rfn, William Henry Coles, 19th RB

207645. Rfn, Arthur Thomas, 19th RB

207699. Rfn, John Edward Holton, 19th RB

207823. Rfn, Percy Hill, 19th RB

207833. Rfn, John McKinney, 19th RB

207867. Rfn, Percy Walter Skues, 19th RB, ex 1819 4th London Regiment

207880. Rfn, Robert John Sullivan, 19th RB, ex 2511 4th London Regiment

207883. Rfn, Phillip John Sham, 19th RB, ex 1993 3rd London Regiment

207936. Rfn, Harold Yates, 20th RB

207968. Rfn, Edward Henry Judd, 19th RB

208000. Rfn, William Poole, 19th RB

208005. Rfn, Ernest William George Linstell, 19th RB

208027. Rfn, Sydney Cox, 19th RB

207551. Rfn, Joseph Musgrove, 19th RB, ex 4157 1/6th Durham L.I.

207571. Rfn, Albert William Ryder, 19th RB, ex 3163 1/4th Yorkshire Regiment

207674. Rfn, John James Gold, 19th RBV, ex 2014 2nd London Regiment

207625. Rfn, George Marlier, 19th RB, ex 1746 3rd London Regiment

207829. Rfn, Percy Frank Noon, 19th RB, ex 2299 6th London Regiment

207845. Rfn, Albert Edward Dann, 19th RB, ex 4039 6th London Regiment

207853. Rfn, James Richard Waters, 19th RB, ex 2662 3rd London Regiment

208010. Rfn, William Henry Belbin, 20th RB, ex R/17840 2nd K.R.R.C.

208341. Rfn, Abel Netley Reseigh, 20th RB, ex 3/6153 3rd D.C.L.I.

208096. Rfn, James Carrington, 20th RB, ex 39736 Devon Regiment

208116. Rfn, Albert James Hipkiss, 20th RB, ex 6188 4th Worcesters

208132. Rfn, Harry Frampton, 20th RB, ex 3/4581 10th Hampshire Regiment.

Andy

[Guest JJWard]

Hello Chris,

I realise that this is an old thread and that you may have finished your research and moved on. We would be very interested in your book once you have completed it. I am overwhelmed by this website and the vast amount of information and knowledge that people are sharing. It is quite amazing.

My Great Grandfather was John Joseph WARD, a fireman who was killed on the Ivernia. We have been trying to trace details for him for many years. We have made some progress this week in terms of family links, we now have minimal details of his parents and brothers and sister. The story that has been passed on was that John swapped ships with his brother James to sail on the Ivernia - would this have been possible, and is there any way we can find out what ship James was on? We haven't been able so far to find any details of James as yet, but its still early days.

I also know that John Joseph served on the Coronia and SS Beacon Rock - I'm sure there will be more to add to this list. I have found it very intresting reading all the information and links to the Ivernia, many thanks to all.

Catherine

[RFT]

Re : Sinking of Ivernia

As this topic has reappeared I would like to add the following:

Abel Nettley Reseigh (Rifle Brigade) was a member of our family, and he too perished following the sinking of Ivernia.

He previously served with the DCLI, and much earlier with the Royal Navy. Born in Newlyn, he and his family lived in Penzance.

Rob

[Guest CPL/RAMC]

My grandfather was also on board on his way back to join his regiment the Rifle Brigade in Egypt but was wounded getting from the Ivernia to the rescue boat. He took many pictures of the event and one which he described as "hardy Scots" leaving in lifeboats and rafts.

I am interested in Andrew Fyfe's entry about his Grandfather taking pictures of the aftermath when troops were being rescued in lifeboats and rafts. My Great Uncle Robert Thomas (R.A.M.C.) was also onboard the HMT Ivernia when it sunk in 1917. I have a picture of him which shows him sat in one of the lifeboat's, the picture was headline news in many of the newspapers at the time including the Daily Mirror, my cousin has an original copy of the Daily Mirror from 1917, unfortunately it is too fragile to consider scanning onto my Computer. Robert Thomas survived the Great War, however he died in 1920 just aged 28yrs old, it is believed that he died as a direct result from the effects of being in the sea for a long period of time before being rescued.

[Derek Robertson]

Today I noted the following inscription in a local cemetery to Thomas Dryden Thompson who died on the "Ivernia":

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_detail...asualty=1648125

"drowned after torpedoing of "Ivernia", 1st Jan 1917, interred in the cemetery of St.Nicolas, Island of Cerigo, Greece".

Cerigo is also known as Kythira, Kythera, Cythera, or Tsirigo.

Why would Thomas be commemorated on the Mikra Memorial if, at one time, his family had been informed that his body had been buried?

Does anyone have information on the cemetery at St.Nicholas?

[KevinBattle]

Robert Thomas (RAMC) survived the Great War, however he died in 1920 just aged 28yrs old, it is believed that he died as a direct result from the effects of being in the sea for a long period of time before being rescued.

Just picking up something on this...

There is no CWGC record for Robert Thomas with a Date of Death of 1920.

IF his Death Certificate stated that he died as a result of this, then it is possibly a Non Commemoration....

[Tugwell45]

Posted Today, 10:59 AM

My grandfather - Captain H.Cyril F. McSwiney and his friend Captain Allanson* were on board the S.S. Invernia when it was torpedoed by the U-boat on 1st January 1917. The weather was cold and there was a nasty swell and they were actually discussing whether a submarine could operate when there was an explosion and the vessel staggered, lifted and keeled over fast - Allanson slid over the side and immediately was picked up by the minesweeper "Princess Mary". McSwiney was in the frigid waters for ten or more minutes before he too was picked up by another minesweeper (unknown name). Both friends thought the other was lost until reunited the next morning upon arrival at Suda Bay.

*Both were part of the 2 / 3rd Gurkha Regiment (Indian Army) which had been deployed to France in early October 1914. Cyril's battalion took over from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers on the night of 29 October. 28 year old Cyril was invalided out of the First Battle of Ypres to England with a severe wound to the chest, yet his heroic actions on the battlefield earned him the Military Cross. Ten weeks later he rejoined his regiment for a further year until they were sent into the Sinai, then Mesopotamia. A bout of jaundice had again sent Cyril back to England to recover. He then embarked on the S.S. Invernia in Marseilles end of December 1916 - bound for Alexandria, Egypt, where he would rejoin his Battalion in the Sinai (the 2/ 3rd gurkhas formed part of the 75th Division)

[Jockbhoy67]

Posted Today, 10:59 AM

My grandfather - Captain H.Cyril F. McSwiney and his friend Captain Allanson* were on board the S.S. Invernia when it was torpedoed by the U-boat on 1st January 1917. The weather was cold and there was a nasty swell and they were actually discussing whether a submarine could operate when there was an explosion and the vessel staggered, lifted and keeled over fast - Allanson slid over the side and immediately was picked up by the minesweeper "Princess Mary". McSwiney was in the frigid waters for ten or more minutes before he too was picked up by another minesweeper (unknown name). Both friends thought the other was lost until reunited the next morning upon arrival at Suda Bay.

*Both were part of the 2 / 3rd Gurkha Regiment (Indian Army) which had been deployed to France in early October 1914. Cyril's battalion took over from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers on the night of 29 October. 28 year old Cyril was invalided out of the First Battle of Ypres to England with a severe wound to the chest, yet his heroic actions on the battlefield earned him the Military Cross. Ten weeks later he rejoined his regiment for a further year until they were sent into the Sinai, then Mesopotamia. A bout of jaundice had again sent Cyril back to England to recover. He then embarked on the S.S. Invernia in Marseilles end of December 1916 - bound for Alexandria, Egypt, where he would rejoin his Battalion in the Sinai (the 2/ 3rd gurkhas formed part of the 75th Division)

My Great Uncle was also onboard S.S. Ivernia Captain J.C.Turnbull of the 7th H.L.I....i can confirm everything you say regarding their arrival at Suda Bay in an excerpt from his diary, which i have attached along with my efforts to translate it..