Middle Eastern paddlers

[Paulrjordan]

Hi Alistair:

I find the topic of African and Middle Eastern paddlers rather
interesting and would love to learn a little more about them. I have
no idea what they looked like...sidewheelers? sternwheelers?
quarterwheelers? Could you maybe take a moment to give us a quick
description of some of these vessels and where they
operated..(particularly the Royal Engineers ones). A picture or two
would also help if you have any. Also maybe you can give me some
bibliography to take a look at.
Anf if anyone else has any information, then please wade in too!
PJ

[Stuart Badger]

Hi all

Out of interest regarding middle eastern paddle steamers - one of the ships
I considered getting drawings for from the Dundee City Archives collection
of Gourlay Bros built paddlers was the SS Cleethorpes. Here is the
description that accompanies the drawing:

An ornate, passanger, paddle steamer worked the Hull-New Holland service
until 1933 where she ran cruises from Leith for one season as 'Cruising
Queen and was nicknamed locally as 'Boozing Queen'.
Requisitioned by the Admiralty as a mine sweeper 1916 based at Port Said and
used in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Returned to the Humber in 1920.

Stuart

[Alistair Deayton]

The pre-1914 ones were side-wheelers, I think there was a British Company
involved. The Royal Engineers ones were a mixture. There was a class, called
the S-class built. they were quarterwheelers, like stern-wheelers with one
wheel on each quarter rather than right across the stern. There were some
side-wheelers, and some of the former LCC London River side-wheelers were
purchased.There is practically no literature on the subject, only occasional
mentions in other works. I have been researching these off and on for years

Alistair