A friend of mine who has an interest in the Warwickshire Regiment has “come across†the MV CARONIA incident where, on 20 May 1917, a serious fire started in the coal bunkers while the ship was en route from Cape Town to India, having possibly embarked from Canada.
Volunteers were called for from the 3,000 troops on board, 25% of whom were subsequently injured and three may have been killed. The fire was eventually put out by flooding the bunkers, a very dangerous action. Thirty-one Sea Gallantry Medals (SGM) were awarded - 19 to soldiers and 12 to the crew.
It is believed that only a total of 36 SGMs was awarded to the Army, all George V. The ship’s log for the period of the fire is missing, but it might be with some enquiry records somewhere.
Cpl H. BENNELL and Ptes A.W. ANDREW and J. BIRD of the Manchester Regiment were awarded the SGM for this incident.
Does anyone have any information on this incident and the troops who were being transported?
Any comments gratefully received.
Many thanks.
Bob
