Troopships Collection

Olympic arrives at Halifax, WW1, dazzle painting
The troopship Olympic arrives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a cargo of 6000 Canadian soldiers. It was the premier troopship in the world and throughout the First World War transported 70

Arrival at the military port, Naples, of the "Emperor" and the "Melazzzo" with British volunteers for Garibaldi on board - from a sketch by our special artist, Frank Vizetelly

Transports in Table Bay During the South African War, c1900. Creator: Charles John De Lacy
Transports in Table Bay During the South African War, c1900. Transports were now daily reaching Cape Town, and during the next ten days a brigade of Guards numbering 4, 000

Le Loyalisme de L'Afrique Francaise, 1914. Creator: Geiser
'Le Loyalisme de L'Afrique Francaise; La tranquillite interieure du pays permit d'envoyer au front sans delai la presque totalite des troupes algeriennes, 1914

Preparations at Cherbourg for the departure of reinforcements for Mexico, 1862. Creator: Unknown
Preparations at Cherbourg for the departure of reinforcements for Mexico, 1862. Engraving from a sketch by M. Lix. From the beginning of July the armaments for the expedition have been carried out

Long live the army! (colour litho)
2807821 Long live the army! (colour litho) by Damblans, Eugene (1865-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: Long live the army!)

Lord Roberts embarking for South Africa on Board the "Dunottar Castle"at Southampton, 23 December (litho)
1593078 Lord Roberts embarking for South Africa on Board the " Dunottar Castle" at Southampton, 23 December (litho) by Begg

The Transvaal War, Troops for the Front (litho)
1592772 The Transvaal War, Troops for the Front (litho) by Begg, Samuel (fl.1886-1916) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Transvaal War, Troops for the Front)

Christmas dinner on British troopship bound for England from India, 1871 (hand-coloured etching)
3315983 Christmas dinner on British troopship bound for England from India, 1871 (hand-coloured etching) by British School, (19th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark Pictures

Departure from Gravesend of Troops for India (engraving)
1619172 Departure from Gravesend of Troops for India (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Departure from Gravesend of Troops for India)

Sketches from our Special Artist En Route to the Zulu War (engraving)
1106602 Sketches from our Special Artist En Route to the Zulu War (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Zulu War, Sketches at the Victoria Docks on the Departure of the 17th Lancers (engraving)
1106550 The Zulu War, Sketches at the Victoria Docks on the Departure of the 17th Lancers (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Zulu War)

Troop-Ships for the Zulu War Reinforcements, the Dublin Castle (engraving)
1106545 Troop-Ships for the Zulu War Reinforcements, the Dublin Castle (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Troop-Ships for the Zulu War Reinforcements)

French Soldiers (engraving)
2785400 French Soldiers (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: French Soldiers. Illustration for The Illustrated Times)

Embarkation of Troops for the East, from the New Port, Marseilles (engraving)
1618956 Embarkation of Troops for the East, from the New Port, Marseilles (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Embarkation of Troops for the East)

Off to Ashanti, the "Loanda"going down Channel, the Soldiers Deck (litho)
1604946 Off to Ashanti, the " Loanda" going down Channel, the Soldiers Deck (litho) by Wright, Henry Charles Seppings (1850-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Off to Ashanti)

The Return of Lord Roberts (litho)
1593191 The Return of Lord Roberts (litho) by Woodville, Richard Caton II (1856-1927) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Return of Lord Roberts, on Board the " Canada)

Looking Ahead, General Sir Redvers Buller facing the Gale in the Bay of Biscay (litho)
1593121 Looking Ahead, General Sir Redvers Buller facing the Gale in the Bay of Biscay (litho) by Wright, Henry Charles Seppings (1850-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Looking Ahead)

The Mobilisation at Southampton (b / w photo)
1592774 The Mobilisation at Southampton (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Mobilisation at Southampton)

The Crisis in the Transvaal (litho)
1592595 The Crisis in the Transvaal (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Crisis in the Transvaal)

Arrival of Indian Troops at Malta, Screw-Steamer Goa, Duke of Athol in Tow, bringing 25th Madras Infantry (engraving)
1590088 Arrival of Indian Troops at Malta, Screw-Steamer Goa, Duke of Athol in Tow, bringing 25th Madras Infantry (engraving) by English School

Life on Board a Troop-Ship (engraving)
1589979 Life on Board a Troop-Ship (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Life on Board a Troop-Ship)

Troop-Ships Orontes, Jumna, Malabar, and Euphrates at Bombay, waiting to bring Home Troops from the Afghan War
1106987 Troop-Ships Orontes, Jumna, Malabar, and Euphrates at Bombay, waiting to bring Home Troops from the Afghan War (engraving) by English School

Government Troop-Steamer for the Lower Indus, designed by Mr T B Winter (engraving)
2773305 Government Troop-Steamer for the Lower Indus, designed by Mr T B Winter (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Embarkation of the 3rd Regiment of Lancashire Militia, at Liverpool, for Gibraltar (engraving)
1608035 Embarkation of the 3rd Regiment of Lancashire Militia, at Liverpool, for Gibraltar (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Preparations at Cherbourg for the Departure of the Reinforcements for Mexico (engraving)
1587715 Preparations at Cherbourg for the Departure of the Reinforcements for Mexico (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Embarkation of Troops at Marseilles (engraving)
1618079 Embarkation of Troops at Marseilles (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Embarkation of Troops at Marseilles)

Embarkation of the 11th Hussars at Kingstown, on Board the "Tyrone"Troop-Ship, for the East (engraving)
1619038 Embarkation of the 11th Hussars at Kingstown, on Board the " Tyrone" Troop-Ship, for the East (engraving) by English School

Landing of the Rifle Brigade at Gallipoli (engraving)
1618977 Landing of the Rifle Brigade at Gallipoli (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Landing of the Rifle Brigade at Gallipoli)

The "Himalaya"Steam-Ship in Plymouth Sound, with Troops for the War (engraving)
1618816 The " Himalaya" Steam-Ship in Plymouth Sound, with Troops for the War (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Return of Troops from the Indian Frontier Campaign, landing from the Steam-Ship "Nubia"at Southampton
1615455 Return of Troops from the Indian Frontier Campaign, landing from the Steam-Ship " Nubia" at Southampton (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Reinforcements for Canada, shipping Sledges on Board the Calcutta at Woolwich for Guns
1620077 Reinforcements for Canada, shipping Sledges on Board the Calcutta at Woolwich for Guns and Carriages of the H Battery 4th Battalion Royal Artillery (engraving) by English School

Embarkation at Woolwich, Yesterday Week, of the E Battery Fourth Brigade of Royal Field Artillery on Board
1619990 Embarkation at Woolwich, Yesterday Week, of the E Battery Fourth Brigade of Royal Field Artillery on Board the Melbourne for Canada (engraving) by English School

The Heroes of the Sutledge (engraving)
1594441 The Heroes of the Sutledge (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Heroes of the Sutledge. Illustration for The Pictorial Times, 19 December 1846)

The Transvaal Crisis, Departure of Troops from Aldershot and Southampton (b / w photo)
1592650 The Transvaal Crisis, Departure of Troops from Aldershot and Southampton (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Transvaal Crisis)

Indian Transport Ships leaving the Suez Canal, Departure of the Bengal and Oriflamme (engraving)
1590081 Indian Transport Ships leaving the Suez Canal, Departure of the Bengal and Oriflamme (engraving) by English School

Transport of Troops for the Kaffir War (engraving)
1589944 Transport of Troops for the Kaffir War (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Transport of Troops for the Kaffir War)

The Ashanti Expedition, Officers of the West India Regiment at Revolver Practice on Board the "Loanda"(litho)
1605010 The Ashanti Expedition, Officers of the West India Regiment at Revolver Practice on Board the " Loanda" (litho) by Wollen

The Ashanti Expedition, Embarkation of the 2nd West India Regiment at Sierra Leone (litho)
1604959 The Ashanti Expedition, Embarkation of the 2nd West India Regiment at Sierra Leone (litho) by Forestier, Amedee (1854-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Ashanti Expedition)

Deck of the French Transport, "L Euphrate, "off Messina (engraving)
1601934 Deck of the French Transport, " L Euphrate, " off Messina (engraving) by Goodall, Edward Angelo (1819-1908); Private Collection; (add.info.: Deck of the French Transport)

Japanese Troops landing at Chemulpo, 9 September (engraving)
1107972 Japanese Troops landing at Chemulpo, 9 September (engraving) by Forestier, Amedee (1854-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Japanese Troops landing at Chemulpo, 9 September)

The War, Embarkation of Zouaves at Marseilles (engraving)
1609962 The War, Embarkation of Zouaves at Marseilles (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The War, Embarkation of Zouaves at Marseilles)

Spanish Muleteers on their Way to the Crimea, sketched on Board the "Iberia"Steam-Ship (engraving)
1602287 Spanish Muleteers on their Way to the Crimea, sketched on Board the " Iberia" Steam-Ship (engraving) by English School

The Spanish-American War, on Board the American Troop-Ship "Berkshire, "No 9, with Battery 2 (litho)
1606222 The Spanish-American War, on Board the American Troop-Ship " Berkshire, " No 9, with Battery 2 (litho) by Forestier

The War in the Soudan, Departure of the Australian Contingent from Sydney, New South Wales (engraving)
1591069 The War in the Soudan, Departure of the Australian Contingent from Sydney, New South Wales (engraving) by English School

Troops for Mediterranean Garrisons, Departure of the 2nd (Queens Royal) Regiment
1589567 Troops for Mediterranean Garrisons, Departure of the 2nd (Queens Royal) Regiment, leaving Aldershott; embarking in the Euphrates at Portsmouth (engraving) by Robinson

The First Detachment of Native Troops from India entering Suez Roads (engraving)
1590068 The First Detachment of Native Troops from India entering Suez Roads (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

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Troopships have played a vital role in history, transporting soldiers to various destinations during times of conflict and war. From the Olympic's arrival at Halifax during World War I to Lord Roberts embarking for South Africa on board the "Dunottar Castle" in Southampton, these vessels have witnessed significant moments in military history. Intriguingly, they were not just ordinary ships but also canvases for artistic expression. Dazzle painting adorned their exteriors, creating mesmerizing patterns that confused enemy submarines and protected those on board. Long live the army. A vibrant color lithograph captures the spirit of these brave men as they embark on their journey. The images captured by artists aboard troopships provide glimpses into life onboard. A hand-coloured etching showcases Christmas dinner being enjoyed by British troops bound for England from India in 1871, reminding us that even amidst war, camaraderie and festive cheer prevailed. Departure scenes were often depicted with great detail - an engraving shows troops leaving Gravesend for India while another portrays sketches made en route to the Zulu War. The latter engraving captures soldiers bidding farewell at Victoria Docks before boarding troop-ships like the Dublin Castle. Not limited to British expeditions alone, French soldiers are also seen disembarking from a ship in an evocative engraving. Troopship embarkations were not exclusive to Europe either; an engraving depicts troops departing from Marseilles' New Port for the East. One lithograph titled "Off to Ashanti" showcases soldiers aboard the "Loanda, " sailing down Channel towards their destination. Soldiers decked out with equipment and determination demonstrate their readiness for action. Troopships served as lifelines connecting nations during times of conflict. These vessels carried more than just soldiers; they transported hope, bravery, and resilience across vast oceans. Their stories continue to inspire generations as we reflect upon their crucial role in shaping history.