s.s. 'Dewsland' - The vessel was a general cargo, single screw, iron hulled, built at the North Sands yard of J. L . Thompson & Sons Limited and launched during October 1883. She was of 1,986 gross and 1,302 net register tons being 275.0 ft. long x 37.6 ft. breath x 19.6 ft. depth. Her first owner was J. Marychurch & Company of Cardiff which from 1891 became the Marychurch Steamship Company Limited. During 1900 she was sold to J. & P. Hutchinson of Cardiff and Glasgow.

She met her fate on the 1st June 1916 when she was captured, shelled and sunk by U39 when off Cape Carbon, Algeria in the Mediterranean Sea whilst en-route from Philippeville for Penarth with a cargo of lead and shumac. There were no casualties. [843]

First World War Claim Settlements for the Steamer 'Dewsland'.

Nature of goods : Shumac.
Value : £2,300.
Payment to : Joseph Kitchin Limited.
Assured: Joseph Kitchin Limited.
Date of Settlement: 17/06/1916.

[National Archives Ref : BT 365/2/110] [539]

Roy Fenton describes the attributes of the above s.s. 'Dewsland' in his fine book 'Tramp Ships, An Illustrated History' [913]

Well Decks : Extension of the raised quarterdeck as far forward as the hatch on number two hold had the effect of leaving a short well forward, and Lloyd's Register referred to these ships as having well decks. One attraction of this type was it reduced the possibility of water filling the well, which could make the ship bow heavy if not quickly drain through the freeing ports.

The design became more popular as the decade progressed, although the 'Dewsland' was completed in 1883. The entry in Lloyd's Register indicates that this 275-ft ship has a well deck, although this is not apparent in this photograph. A well would be expected where the group of five seamen are stood forward, preparing to throw lines ashore but undoubtedly discussing the delights of Bristolian night life. There is a well aft, and there is a poop, although Lloyd's Register does not mention the latter. She is definitely the correct ship, because the funnel carries on its white band the shield of the owner John Marychurch of Cardiff - red with three inverted yellow chevrons. 'Dewsland' had been built by J L Thompson & Sons, which went to George Clark, also of Sunderland, for her compound engine.

'Dewsland' was sold in 1900 to J & P Hutchinson of Glasgow, owners that, unusually, operated both short-sea services and did some tramping.