Summary

Troops embarking a ship in Melbourne, bound for the Boer War, probably on 15 February 1901. The ship, marked '24', is the HMT (aka SS) Orient, berthed at the 'Port Melbourne Town Pier'. The Argus noted that the ship was 'Painted black, with red below, and with the number 24 staring in large white figures on her bow' (The Argus, 15 Feb 1901, p.15).

The troops were conveyed from Langwarrin camp by train on 15 February, disembarked at Princess Bridge station, then marched to the pier. Once on board, the Argus reported that passengers were allowed to board the vessel too, as seen in the photograph (The Argus, 15 Feb 1901, p.7).

Description of Content

Soldiers and ship marked '24' at wharf. Soldiers climb over the rigging; people in civilian clothing can be seen on the decks.

Physical Description

Half plate.

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