Loss of the 'Birkenhead' iron paddle-steamer troopship sailed from Queenstown (Cobh) Ireland for Cape of Good Hope 7 January 1852, foundered off Simon's Bay, s Africa on 26 February. Commanding officer, Colonel Seton, gave order 'Women and children first' and troops stood in line on deck as if on parade and waited their fate. Women and children being lowered into ship's lifeboats. Early 20th century woodcut.