S.S. Solway Campbell/O'Keefe/Quigley 24th Regiment

Hi all,

I found this a little time ago and was undecided if I should post it, but I think there are some details which may be of interest.

The S.S. Solway was a modern ship whilst on only its third voyage - from Glasgow to Bristol, via Belfast and possibly somewhere on the Welsh coastline - caught fire killing numerous crew and passengers including the named individuals in the title of this piece.

The disaster - as described by various outlets - occurred on the 16/11/1881, but two of the individuals possibly/probably have a connection to South Africa and the Zulu War.

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The Belfast Newsletter 19/11/1881

I believe the following may be two of the three individuals, all details taken from the Noble 24th:

No. 2652 Private Campbell, P. - Served in E Company. Deserted in Natal 13/12/1879. South Africa Medal without clasp; no trace of issue of medal

Although several Campbell's served in the Regiment only one (as far as I can see) deserted. The article indicates desertion at the Cape, so he fits the bill. I am not worried by the fact he gave himself up in Glasgow, I know of at least one other deserter from the regiment who surrendered to the authorities in England

No. 25B/2655 Lance Corporal O'Keefe, Thomas. - In the Census Return dated 3/4/1881 he is recorded as born at Dungarvan, Ireland. A Private aged 23 years, residing at the Barracks, Brecon. South Africa Medal without clasp

I have gone with 2655 O'Keefe based on two pieces of circumstantial evidence, firstly his number is close enough to Campbell's to possibly indicate transfer to the 24th Regiment from the same outfit, in this case possibly the 50th. My thoughts being you send a man who can identify the prisoner. Secondly the death at sea record for O'Keefe is on the Irish register, Campbell and Quigley are on the English register.

Private Quigley is likely to have joined the Regiment after the war and although important to remember has not been included in any further research.

I may be clutching at a few straws with my identifications and I am sure other people will have their own ideas. O'Keefe can be quickly discounted if he had service beyond the date of the incident November 1881, Campbell may have previously returned to the regiment and could also be discounted. I do not have the Pay and Muster rolls available to me so would have to rely on the good work of others.

Hope of interest and suitable to post.

Regards
Dash

2655 Thomas O'Keeffe and 2593 William Quigley listed as Privates 25th Brigade Depot Oct 81 to Mar 82 pay-list. Quigley reduced from Corporal in June.

Both listed as "Burned at sea" 16/11/1881

No mention of Patrick Campbell.

All associated with the Royal Irish Regiment. Campbell & O'Keeffe from 69th Brigade Depot and Quigley from 1st Bn 18th Regt.

Bill,

Thank you for the details, it made sense to me that one or both would have known Campbell. With regards to Quigley he is not on any medal roll that I know, would I be correct in assuming no medal entitlement?

Regards
Dash

Yes Quigley was at the Depot from his transfer in to the Regiment July 1879 to his death.

Bill

Bill,

You are very patient and generous with your time, many thanks.

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Above is the deaths at sea record for England which covers the Solway details.

Regards
Dash