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Date	Original Topic
29th December 2004	Name of ship By melanie Iam wrighting a book on PTE John Jobbins "B" company 2nd/24 Foot. Can anyone tell me what was the name of the ship that the men traveled on, the ship left Chathan Docks on the 26th Jan 1878, also how long did it take to reach Cape Of Good Hope. And if anyone has family who was also in the same company and would to place a sort story,poem please email me.
Date	Replies
29th December 2004	Martin Everett Dear Melanie, Why do you not contact us at Brecon? 28th January 1878 A telegraphic despatch from the Horse Guards directed the 2nd Battalion 24th to be held in readiness to embark for the Cape. 1st February 1878 The Battalion left Chatham for Portsmouth, where it embarked in HM Troopship Himalaya, and started next day. The strength embarked was 24 officers and 849 other ranks. 28th February 1878 The ship reached Simon's Bay on 28th February, got under weigh on 6th March, and sighted East London on 9th March. B and C Companies, under Major Dunbar, were landed at once in surfboats. The bar and heavy surf rendered landing a slow and often dangerous operation, and not until 11th March was the last company got ashore. As fast as trains could be procured, the companies were hurried off to King William's Town, and thence marched to the front.
29th December 2004	melanie Thankyou for you reply how do i contact you in brecon. Also can i use the info you gave me in my book? bestwishes Melanie Trinder
30th December 2004	Andy Lee Hi Melanie Please could you put me down to purchase a copy of your book when released. Thanks Andy Lee