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
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.
1950-1980
1930-1940
