Birkenhead Central Library - Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia

First new Mersey Ferry in 60 years takes to water for first time

The Birkenhead is known worldwide for the bravery of the men who stood back under the Captain’s command of “woman and children first”. HMS Birkenhead, also referred to as HM Troopship Birkenhead or Steam Frigate Birkenhead, was one of the first iron-hulled ships built for the Royal Navy. She was designed as a steam frigate, but was converted to a troopship before being commissioned. She was wrecked on 26 February 1852, while transporting troops to Algoa Bay at Danger Point near Gansbaai, 87 mile