HMS Birkenhead Memorial Dedication
5 March 2014 - 11:00am - 11:30am Wednesday

A new memorial is to be dedicated to the victims of one of the worst maritime disasters of the 19th Century, highlighting its ties with Wirral.

HMS Birkenhead, a steam frigate built by John Laird’s shipbuilders, sank off the coast of Gansbaai, South Africa in 1852.

Of the 638 people onboard just 193 survived.

The disaster is recognised as the origin of the term ‘women and children first’, the so-called ‘Birkenhead Drill’ by which women and children would be the first to the lifeboats in the event of a maritime disaster.

Wreaths will be laid by the Lord-Lieutenant and the Mayor of Wirral during the ceremony.

You can read more about the event in the news section of the Wirral Council website and the history and legacy of HMS Birkenhead on the Wikipedia website.

Cost: FREE
Location:
Woodside Promenade
(Close to Woodside Ferry Terminal)
Birkenhead
CH41 6DU
Contact Details:
The Mayor's Office
Wallasey Town Hall
Brighton Street
Wallasey
CH44 8ED

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