MaltaPost issued a set of 3 stamps depicting military hospitals that were instrumental in saving the lives of tens of thousands of sick and wounded that were brought to and cared for in Malta during World War I.
During that war a total of 27 hospitals and camps were set-up across Malta and Gozo so as to accommodate thousands of wounded Allied servicemen. The first group of 600 casualties arrived from Gallipoli on 4th May 1915. Initially, numerous wounded men were disembarked on the quayside by Valletta’s ancient Sacra Infermeria hospital. They were then moved on to other hospitals around the Island. This activity earned Malta the title: ‘Nurse of the Mediterranean’. The 2.00 Euro stamp shows the British hospital ship REWA.
Built as a passenger- cargo vessel under yard No 762 by William. Denny & Bros, Dumbarton for the British India Steam Navigation Comp. Ltd.
14 February 1906 launched as the REWA, names after a formerly Princely State and town of Central India. One sister the ROHILLA.
Tonnage 7,267 gross, 3,979 net, 6,960 dwt. Dim. 139.0 x 17.1 x 9.08m., draught 8.38m.
Powered by three single stage Parsons turbines, manufactured by builder, 9,344 shp, three propellers, speed 16.5 kn., in trials it reached a speed of 18.93 kn. Bunker capacity 1,506 ton.
Passenger accommodation for 100 first class, 65 second and 1,543 troops, crew; officers 30 and 145 ratings.
Building cost £174,400.
07 June 1906 delivered.
After delivery in the London to Calcutta service, 20 June 1906 sailed from the U.K. for her maiden voyage. After delivery was she almost immediately requisitioned for Indian trooping service.
November 1906 she grounded in the Suez Canal, was refloated without any damage.
1910 Was she fitted out with a radio installation.
The same year was she also present by the Coronation Naval Review at Spithead, carrying members of the House of Commons.
24 June 1914 the British India Steam Navigation Company was taken over by the P&O.
1914 Taken up as Hospital Ship No5 by outbreak of First World War, by the British Government, converted as hospital ship by Thornycroft’s at Southampton.
After conversion a crew of 207 plus 80 medical staff.
From January till April 1915 served in the Dardanelles campaign, carrying 7,424 wounded to naval hospitals in Malta, Alexandria and Plymouth.
04 January 1918 Under command of Captain J.E. Drake on a voyage from Salonika, Greece with on board 279 patients was she when steaming up the Bristol Channel in a position SW of the island of Lundy torpedoed in the engine room at 11.15 p.m. by the German submarine U55, despite being fully illuminated in accordance with the Geneva Convention.
The REWA sank after 2 hours and 45 minutes. The crew was well trained and 14 lifeboats were launched without mishap and resulting that all patients, medical personnel and crew were saved, the only loss was of four Lascar engine room crew members who lost their life in the initial explosion.
The survivors were picked up the next morning at around 3 o’clock by two trawlers and the British tanker PAUL PAIX who landed them at Swansea.
Malta 2014 2.00 Euro sg?, scott?
Source: The British India Steam Navigation Company Limited by Laxon & Perry. Dictionary of Disasters at Sea during the age of steam by Charles Hocking. Internet. Malta Post website.