MV DUNBAR CASTLE (II)

Date1930-1940

Object numberANMS0420[480]

NamePhotograph

MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Estate of John Watt

Terms

DescriptionA photograph of the Union Castle Steamship Company's DUNBAR CASTLE II from the collection of John Watt. HistoryDUNBAR CASTLE II, built by Harland and Wolff, was launched by the Union Castle Mail Steamship Co. for the Africa service on 31st October 1929. On January 9th, 1940, whilst on route from London to Beira, Mozambique, with a crew of 150 and 48 passengers on board, DUNBAR CASTLE II struck a mine in the English Channel and foundered in 30 minutes. Despite the swiftness of the event, the majority of the passengers (including a number of children) and crew survived. Captain Henry Atherton Causton was killed but was praised at length after the disaster for his bravery and skill as an experienced seaman. SignificanceThe collection of John Watt and his father before him, encompasses decades of passenger, cargo and naval shipping.