Women & Children First: The Birkenhead Disaster 1852

Join Hugh Willing at The Rifleman’s Museum as he tells the remarkable story of the HMS Birkenhead disaster, the courage of its soldiers, and the origins of the “Women and Children First” tradition.

The sinking of the HMS Birkenhead in 1852 whilst transporting troops to Algoa Bay remains one of the greatest maritime disasters in both Britain’s and South Africa’s history. But what it is chiefly remembered for is that every one of the seven women and thirteen children aboard survived the sinking owing to the gallantry and discipline of the men on board. The men’s chivalry gave rise to a new protocol in time of disaster, which is still known today as the ‘Birkenhead Drill’ and follows the principle of “Women and Children First”.

But why did the ship hit the rocks, and of the 643 passengers – soldiers, seamen and families – only 193 survive? Amongst those drowned were 59 men from two detachments of the 43rd Light Infantry and 60th Rifles destined to join their battalions in Algoa Bay. This is their story.

Doors open at 17.45 for light refreshments, and the talk begins at 18.30 with questions at the end. For those unable to join us in person, the talk is broadcast live on Zoom. Limited free parking is available on site, so we encourage people to travel by public transport where possible.