Sandra Lee
Title for image: HMNZT 73, The Opawa in Wellington Harbour
Describe the image: Postcard of the Opawa. Back of Postcard reads "This is our transport, we shall be on here for the next 10 weeks or more. Call at Sydney next, then Albany, Capetown and Tenerife". Left New Zealand with the 3rd draft of the 20th Reinforcements 2 January 1917. The Opawa sailed as far as Simon's Town SA where, after 10 days the troops were trans-shipped to the Walmer Castle, one of six Union-Castle Line Steamships used for the Southampton-Capetown service. The Walmer Castle, 13,000 tons was a fast ship so her speed was regulated by the slowest transport. They travelled in convoy with five other transports and a cruiser which went ahead of them. On Sunday, March 25, as they neared the Bay of Biscay the convoy was joined by seven destroyers sent to protect each ship in the convoy as German U boats frequently patrolled the waters. The convoy arrived safely at Devonport on 27 March, 1917.
Where did your information come from?: Postcard purchased on Trade Me. Camps Tramps and Trenches, Diary of a NZ Sapper 1917 Eric Miller Published 1939. Internet research
File created: 19 January 2021