Cover of the Day 19 May 2020 - Detention Ship Tunisian

[Peter Harvey]

Staying with a theme this week - Ships from WW1. This is from HMT Tunisian a ship with a notable military history in WW1, both serving as a prison ship off the Isle of Wight and then as a troop transport both at Gallipoli and then between the UK - France and Egypt. Built in Glasgow and launched in 1900, the ships earlier years involved transporting children to the colonies for resettlement, a subject in the press over recent years and an activity the British Government has made many apologies for.

The Tunisian was one of the 'leased' ships taken up under Army control on the outbreak of war to house internees, or Prisoners of War.

Cover is interestingly sent to Warri in Nigeria with the RYDE 23 JA 15 date stamp and showing the cachet H.M.T. TUNISIAN P.C. RYDE I.O.W. (initialled G), received with the part WARRI FEB 24 to reverse. Addressed to reverse from Arthur Morawski, Cabin 112 Detentionship Tunisian - this would likely be a merchant seaman, given other detainees held on the Prison Ships at this time. 

[Chris Grimshaw]

Very Nice Peter.

Outside my POW collecting interest but a nice cover.

Chris