The steamship Erinpura run aground 1919, a medal presented by the passengers, bronze rare

Obv: 526 MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN TAKEN OFF S S BRINPURA AGROUND ON MUSHEGERA REEF BY H.M.S. TOPAZE 15.6.19

Rev: A MEMENTO PRESENTED BY THE PASSENGERS within wreath

Condition: Very fine; Diameter: 35mm

References: none found

Notes: The SS Erinpura was built at Dumbarton in 1911 and owned by the British India Steam Navigation Company. During a storm on 15th June 1919 she ran aground on the Mushjera reef as she travelled between Aden and Port Said. She remained there for over a year and then she was cut in two, her stern section saved and a new bow section added in Bombay. The 'new' Erinpura was sunk by enemy air attack as she voyaged between Alexandria and Malta in 1943. On this medal her name is mis-spelt Brinpura. Presumably this medal was given to the crew of HMS Topaze in gratitude.

Price £75