Shortly after 2am on the 27 May 1918 HM Sloop Lily already over laden with survivors from the Leasowe Castle started back for Alexandria, proceeding with caution as two enemy submarines were reported in the area. The Japanese Destroyer ‘R’ remained in the area to protect and assist the boats still searching the wreckage. It was now dark, the moon having set. ADDERLEY records that ‘at 11am HM Sloop Ladybird and two other ships arrived on the scene, and by 11.30am all survivors had been picked up for conveyance to Alexandria, which was reached at 7pm.’ On arrival at the quay at Alexandria the Red Cross provided food and clothing – the Officers being sent to various hotels and the men being conveyed by train to Sidi Beshr Camp.
Enclosed is a picture of the Leasowe Castle sinking with vessels picking up survivors.
Following the sinking of the Leasowe Castle on the 27 May 1918 the last of the survivors were picked up by 11.30am for conveyance to Alexandria which was reached by 7pm that day. On the following day, 28 May the work of re-organising the 100th (Warwick & South Notts ) Battalion MGC commenced. 2987 Cady HOYTE recalls in his diary written at the time that ‘in spite of the recent tragedy much laughter was provoked at roll call (on 28 May) on the motley crowd which assembled. Some appeared in naval caps and army slacks, others in sun helmets, no shirt but baggy naval trousers, some in just pants, socks and a knotted handkerchief on their heads’. During the morning he recalls ‘they were issued with the necessary kit to the extent of knife, fork and spoon, and later shaving tackle.’ On the 29 May each man was paid an Egyptian pound (100 piaster’s), which he believed, was a gift but was deducted from his pay.
Cady HOYTE was fortunate to a hitch a lift on the sloop ‘Lily’ which arrived in Alexandria Harbour at around 2am on the 27 May, where ambulances and a stack of clothing was waiting to greet them. He was issued with a pair of shorts and a sun helmet, provided with tea and rum and then conveyed by train to the Camp at Sidi Bishr that day. His personal account of the sinking is well worth reading and can be found in ‘Farewell to the Horses.’
On the 2 June the Battalion’s new C.O. Major J.D. MILLS who had been granted acting rank of Lieut Col. inspected the Battalion after which a Memorial Service was held for the late Commanding Officer and those lost at sea, conducted by the Senior Chaplain of the Alexandria District.
Reinforcements arrived from the Base at Kantara, together with fresh equipment and by the 12 June the Battalion was again at full strength
On the 14 June re- embarkation orders arrived for the 17 June on H.M.T ‘Caledonia. The Battalion strength being – 47 Officers, 6 W.O’s, and 965 O.R’s – total 1,018.
