TROOPSHIP'S TRAGIC VOYAGE.
SENSATIONAL INCIDENTS ON BOARD THE CANADA.
The homeward voyage of the Canada, which has arrived at Southampton with troops from the Cape, was so unusually full of sorrowful incidents that a complete damper was put on the spirits of all on board.
The ship left Table Bay on July 18, and the following day Gunner Findley of the Hants Militia Artillery, jumped overboard, and was drowned. It is believed that his mind was affected.
Some days afterwards Lieutenant Poole, a Yeomanry officer, died of dysentery, and was buried at sea. Among those who were nearest to that part of the deck from which the body was committed to the deep was Captain Shaw-Stewart, of the 17th Lancers, son of Sir Michael and Lady Octavia Shaw-Stewart, of Fonthill Abbey, Wilts. Just after the service had commenced he fell overboard.
Again, as in the case of Findley, every possible attempt was made at rescue. The boats remained out for fully an hour, but though some of the lifebuoys thrown over immediately the cry of "Man overboard!" was raised, were recovered, nothing was seen of Captain Shaw-Stewart from the moment he touched the water.
The date of this tragic occurrence was Sunday, July 28th, when the ship was three days the other side of Las Palmas. The explanation which finds most general acceptance is that the ill-fated officer, being desirous of taking a snapshot of a funeral at sea, climbed on to the rail to make a more effective use of his kodak, and then, suddenly overbalancing himself, fell headlong into the sea.
The Western Gazette, Friday 9th August 1901