List of known troop ships in the Burma theatre. Should you have any knowledge of any other vessel which transported veteran Berkshiremen to and from the Burma theatre please contribute.
| S.S. Tegelberg: |
Originally a Dutch passenger
ship built in 1938 carrying an armament of 3 double 120mm guns. 1940,
onwards she began a successful career as a troopship.
|
| Strathmore: |
Calcutta to Rangoon on two weeks leave Leave.
|
| H.M.T. Scythia: |
Requisitioned late 1939, being
fitted out for its use as a troop ship around November 1940. Her
final missions in her capacity of troop ship was to bring home 1st
King's Dragoon Guards back home to Liverpool, on 11 March 1948. 1950
saw her become a passenger ship once more. She was scrapped in 1958.
|
"We were the last British
battalion to leave the country, it was on the Scythia?, the 2nd Battalion
were. There was no crowds to wave us off like the others had, when they were
grateful to us for saving them. But that's war for you." |
| Paddle steamer: |
Although it cannot be said
for certain that the steamers seen in this picture are the actual
ones used to transport the Berkshiremen up the Brahmaputra River
and into the Burma war proper. They have been identified as being
the exact type.
|
These paddle steamers, were built in Scotland, dismantled
and transported to Burma for reassembly. Many of the vessels were destroyed
by their owners or crew in 1942 so as not to fall into the hands of
the advancing Japanese Army. |
| Image courtesy of Pandaw River Cruises. www.pandaw.com |
| S.S. Arundel Castle: |
Sailing from Singapore
to Southampton VIA COLOMBO, BOMBAY, ADEN, SUEZ & PORT
SAID - THURSDAY, SEP. 19th., 1946.
|
Leaving Bombay on the Homeward
Run, the “Arundel Castle” carried some 2076 passengers,
made up of personnel from the Royal Navy (45); Army (1598); Royal
Air Force (120); Service Nursing Officers, Army Womens’ Service,
W.A.A.F.’S., Army Families, Civilians and personnel of the
Merchant Navy.
|
In addition to the above passengers,
the Ship carries the Permanent Military Staff of 16 and the Crew,
making a total of 2371 Souls on Board. |
Of the 1598 Troops, the majority
are for Class “A” Release and personnel from some 41
different Units are for Python Leave. |
| Image courtesy of Pte. Alfred Raymond Mason 4929145. |
China Dragon Cap Badge
Royal Berkshire Regiment
(Princess Charlotte of Wales's)
1939 - 1959
Strathmore
Irrawaddy paddle steamers
S.S. Arundel Castle
S.S. Arundel Castle