SS Dunvegan Castle Counterpart Passage Receipt - 15 November 1912

📌 Discover a rare 1912 Union-Castle Line passage receipt for Deck Class travel from Port Said to Delagoa Bay aboard the RMS Dunvegan Castle. This historical maritime document offers a glimpse into British colonial migration, oceanic travel conditions, and the experiences of lower-class passengers. A vital resource for genealogists, maritime historians, and educators exploring British imperial shipping networks and African migration routes. 🚢🌍📜

Front Side, RMS Dunvegan Castle of the Union-Castle Line Deck Class Steamship Ticket, 15 November 1912, Port Said to Delagoa Bay. GGA Image ID # 1fa814e266

Summary of Counterpart Passage Receipt

• Date of Purchase / Voyage: 15 November 1912
• Steamship Line: Union-Castle Mail Steamship Co.
• Steamship: RMS Dunvegan Castle
• Route: Port Said to Delagoa Bay
• Ticket Type: Counterpart Passage Receipt
• Voyage Class: Deck Class
• Name on Contract: Mr. S. Peroganakis
• Etnicity of Passenger(s): Unknown
• Contract Terms: Transcribed
• Cost of Ticket: £11 - 0s - 0d / £1,113.00 GBP in 2020

Counterpart Passage Receipt Details

The Union-Castle Mail Steamship
Company, Ltd.
DONALD CURRIE & CO., Managers LONDON.
DECK CLASS.
COUNTERPART.

This part to be torn off by the Steward and returned to the Passenger as proof of the delivery of his passage ticket. The Passenger must keep this part in his possession until the voyage is completed, and must produce it to the Officers of the Company when required.

Ticket Number Is.x. 2865
INDEX NUMBER

Issued at Port Said

on November 15 1912

M S Peroganakis

Passenger from Port Said

to Delagoa Bay

Per RMS Dunvegan Castle

Passage Money in full £11 - 0s - 0d

SEE BACK OF TICKET.

Terms, Conditions and Regulations

under which Passengers and their Luggage are Conveyed,

Terms, Conditions and Regulations Under Which Passengers and Their Luggage are Conveyed. RMS Dunvegan Castle of the Union-Castle Line Deck Class Steamship Ticket, 15 November 1912. GGA Image ID # 220c1d6167

1. The whole of the Passage-money mist be paid prior to embarkation, one half being due on engaging accommodation. The issue of this ticket does not, in itself, entitle the holder to a passage until the full fare agreed upon has been paid.
   Passengers failing to embark after having engaged a passage, fob felt the Passage-money deposited and must forthwith pay any balance then unpaid.
2. No berth or cabin is to be occupied by a Passenger unless previously engaged at the Company's offices or agencies, or allotted by the Purser on board.
   The Company reserve to themselves the right when deemed necessary in their judgment of transferring Passengers from one cabin to another, and of tilling any vacant accommodation in a cabin except in eases alien.: an additional stile gets been paid by the Passenger for the exclusive use of such accommodation by arrangement with the Company..
3. The ordinary services of the Sur geou (when one is carried) and of the Stewards and Stewardesses (when carried) are included in the Passage-money, together with a free table, and also the use of a bedding, linen, and the usual furnishings Passengers who by mason of illness or through any other cause require special attendance or accommodation will be charged extra therefor.
4. Wines, Spirits, Malt Liquors, and Mineral Waters, etc.. are not included in the Passage-money, and are supplied on board at moderate charges. Passengers are prohibited from taking on board Wines, Spirits, Malt Liquors, etc., for use during the voyage.
5. The Regulations established on board of the Steamer for general good order, comfort, and safety, are obligatory on all Passengers.
6. Passengers who may appear to the Officers or Agents of the Company to be by reason of sickness or infirmity unable to proceed, or to be for that or any other reason, likely to endanger the health or safety, or impair the reasonable comfort of other Passengers on board, or to involve the Owners, Master or Agent of the Ship in any liability for their maintenance or support, or otherwise, under or by virtue of any Imperial or Colonial or other law or regulation, may be landed at the port of embarkation many intermediate port. Passengers who by reason of Imperial or Colonial or other law or regulation, are prohibited from landing at destination, will be charged with the cost of their return journey in accordance with the Company tariff of fares, and will be conveyed back on the terms and conditions of passage herein specified, and may be required to proceed by any Steamer selected by the Company, and to pay for the cost of their maintenance on board the Company's Steamers until the sailing of such steamer on her homeward voyage.
7. The Company are wider no liability for anything that happens to Passengers or their luggage or personal effects before they actually come on board the Company's Steamers, or after leaving such Steamers. While Passenger; and their luggage or effects are on board such Steamers the Company's liability is regulated by the conditions of this ticket, on the terms of which alone passages by the Companys Steamers are granted.
8. The Company will not be responsible for any alteration in the date or hour of sailing or arrival of the Steamer. The Steamer may pr cad by any-route. and may tow and assist vessels in all situations, put back or into any port, earl d late from the direct and customary course for any purpose.
9. The Company reserve the right to require Passengers to complete the contract voyage by any other ship, whether of their own or of any other line and to tranship for that purpose as and when required.

10. Passengers desiring to break their journey at any intermediate port must have their Tickets endorsed accordingly, and they are required to defray their expenses while on shore at such intermediate port. While waiting on shore by reason of any damage or delay to a Steamer carrying them, however caused, Passengers will have to bear their own expenses. While waiting at any port of call to embark on any other vessels Passengers will have to bear their o an expenses, and the Company do not guarantee accommodation on the Vessel they desire to travel he has arranged. All expenses of Quarantine shalt also be borne by the Passenger. Passengers paying full fare are allowed to carry under the name of luggage
11. Adult third class Passengers arrage their own personal effects of twenty cubic feet each free of charge, and children and Passengers servants in proportion to the amount of Passage-money paid for them, as compared with the mill rate. Any excess over the quantities allowed free in accordance with the preceding part of this clause, will only be taken by special agreement made between the Passenger and the Company prior to shipment, and will be charged at the rate of 116 per cubic foot. All Passengers' luggage or personal effects must be shipped at the port of departure, and the Company cannot guarantee shipment of any such luggage or effects other than light articles for use in the cabin, unless such luggage or effects are tendered for shipment alongside the Steamer at least 24 hours before the advertised time of sailing.
12. Merchandise and articles not being Passengers personal effects must not be carried muter the name of luggage, and if found on board will be charged for at double the current rates of freight. All specie, bullion, or other measure carried by Passengers above the value of £50 must be shipped as treasure, and paid for at the current rates of freight.
    Small packages containing valuable articles may be deposited with the Purser on payment of a small charge on the declared value.
13. Passengers are prohibited from taking on board any dangerous goods, or goods the carriage of which is prohibited by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, or any other statute, or any matches in their luggage.
14. The Company will not be responsible for loss of life or illness of, or injury to, or deter or delay of any Passenger however -- even if caused by negligence or servants or agents, or by unseaworthy or unfitness of the ____ Company are prepared to effect the insurance of Passengers and all further information will be given on requested in writing to be responsible for the loss (including theft).

15. Under no circumstances will the theft, robbery, or detention of, or delay of Passengers' luggage or effects however caused, by negligence or default of the Company's the Ship, but the Company are prepared to effect ,even if such loss, detention, or servants or by unseaworthiness or insurance of Passengers luggage at moderate rates of premium, when requested, in writing, by them so to do, either against sea risks only or against certain further risks. Rates and all further information will be given on application.
16. In the event of any luggage or effects, intended for conveyance with a passenger by any of the Company's Steamers, being left behind t any port from any cause whatsoever, including the negligence of the Company's servants, the Company will endeavour to forward such luggage or effects, if properly labelled or identified as the property of such a passenger to its port of destination by the first convenient opportunity, unless instructions in writing to the contrary are received by the Company before the luggage or effects are sent forward. The Company shall be under no legal liability in respect of forwarding such luggage or effects. and its transit after it is put on board the Company's Steamer is on terms of the passenger ticket issued to the passenger with whom it was intended to travel.
17. The Company does not accept responsibility for any mistake, or oversight, or negligence, or default, however arising, on the part of Agents or Servants, or any other person in the performance of any service undertaken on half of Passengers, or intending Passengers, or their friends, nor from the due performance of such services, except in those cases in which, and subject to the conditions under which, a partial payment is made to the Company for the particular service, and the Company in consideration for such payment and under such conditions, have expressly undertaken to perform the service.
18. This contract is to be interpreted according to English law.

Notice to Passengers, Insert to Union Castle Line RMS Dunvegan Castle Passage Contract, 15 November 1912. GGA Image ID # 220c38e052

 

The Union-Castle Line Notice to Passengers

Passengers are required to comply with the provisions of the South African Immigration Restriction Acts, of the Aliens Act, 1905, and any other Acts or Regulations in force for the time being, either in the Colonies or the United Kingdom, and the Company cannot undertake that any Passenger will be allowed to land in the Colonies or the United Kingdom.

Donald Currie & Co, Managers

Relative Cost of Passage Ticket in Today's Currency Value

In 2020, the relative value of £11   0s   0d from 1912 ranges from £1,113.00 to £10,020.00.

A simple Purchasing Power Calculator would say the relative value is £1,113.00. This answer is obtained by multiplying £11.00 by the percentage increase in the RPI from 1912 to 2020.

This may not be the best answer.

The best measure of the relative value over time depends on if you are interested in comparing the cost or value of a Commodity, Income or Wealth, or a Project . For more discussion on how to pick the best measure, consult the Tutorials.

If you want to compare the value of a £11 0s 0d Commodity in 1912 there are four choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real price of that commodity is £1,113.00
• labour value of that commodity is £4,347.00
• income value of that commodity is £6,323.00
• economic share of that commodity is £10,020.00

If you want to compare the value of a £11 0s 0d Income or Wealth , in 1912 there are four choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real wage or real wealth value of that income or wealth is £1,113.00
• labour earnings of that income or wealth is £4,347.00
• relative income value of that income or wealth is £6,323.00
• relative output value of that income or wealth is £10,020.00

If you want to compare the value of a £11 0s 0d Project in 1912 there are three choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real cost of that project is £1,186.00
• labour cost of that project is £4,347.00
• economic cost of that project is £10,020.00

Source: https://www.measuringworth.com/calculators/ukcompare/

🚢 SS Dunvegan Castle Counterpart Passage Receipt (15 November 1912) – A Rare Glimpse into British Colonial Ocean Travel 🌍

📜 Overview: A Journey Across the British Empire

The SS Dunvegan Castle Counterpart Passage Receipt, dated 15 November 1912, is a historically significant travel document that provides insight into British maritime migration and colonial transport networks. Issued for Mr. S. Peroganakis, this Deck Class ticket covered the voyage from Port Said (Egypt) to Delagoa Bay (modern-day Maputo, Mozambique) aboard the Union-Castle Mail Steamship Company’s RMS Dunvegan Castle.

📌 Why is this record important?

✔️ Connects British colonial expansion and migration – Illustrates how the Union-Castle Line facilitated passenger movement across Africa and the British Empire.

✔️ Rare insight into Deck Class travel – Highlights the least-documented yet most commonly used class for working-class travelers and colonial migrants.

✔️ An invaluable resource for genealogists – Provides a passenger’s name, travel route, and ticket cost, helping track ancestral migration patterns.

✔️ A crucial document for maritime historians – Offers first-hand insight into early 20th-century oceanic travel policies, fare structures, and onboard conditions.

🚢 This passage receipt is more than just a ticket—it’s a tangible piece of the vast British maritime network that connected Europe, Africa, and beyond!

🌍 Who Would Benefit from This Record?

📖 Teachers & Students – A key document illustrating global migration patterns under the British Empire.

🧬 Genealogists – A rare primary source helping trace emigrant ancestors, particularly those who traveled through British-controlled African ports.

📜 Historians – Explores the role of the Union-Castle Line in colonial expansion and trade.

🛳 Maritime Enthusiasts – Highlights passenger rights, terms, and deck-class conditions in early 20th-century ocean travel.

📜 Key Highlights from the Passage Receipt

📌 Ticket Details: A Voyage Across the British Empire

🔹 Passenger: Mr. S. Peroganakis

🔹 Date of Issue: 15 November 1912

🔹 Route: Port Said (Egypt) → Delagoa Bay (Mozambique)

🔹 Steamship Line: Union-Castle Mail Steamship Co.

🔹 Steamship: RMS Dunvegan Castle

🔹 Class: Deck Class (Lowest-Priced Ticket Class)

🔹 Cost of Ticket: £11 – 0s – 0d (Equivalent to £1,113.00 GBP in 2020)

📌 What makes this record significant?

✔️ Shows the interconnected British colonial travel network – Connects Egypt to Mozambique via British-controlled shipping routes.

✔️ Deck Class travel: The working-class experience – Offers insight into the experiences of lower-class passengers, often omitted from historical records.

✔️ Union-Castle Line: A lifeline for British colonies – Played a vital role in British imperial transport, connecting Africa, India, and England.

📌 The Route: From the Suez Canal to Southern Africa 🚢

🌍 Port Said: The Gateway to Africa

Port Said, located at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, was a critical refueling and transit point for ships traveling between Europe and Africa.

🌍 Delagoa Bay (Now Maputo, Mozambique): A Key Colonial Port

Delagoa Bay, under Portuguese colonial rule, was an important stopover for British shipping lines transporting laborers, officials, and cargo throughout Southern Africa.

📌 Why is this route important?

✔️ A colonial-era migration path – Showcases how Britain managed passenger transport within its global empire.

✔️ Vital for trade, labor, and governance – This was a key maritime corridor for economic and political influence.

✔️ A glimpse into African-bound European migration – Highlights the movement of British, Greek, and other European migrants to South Africa and beyond.

🖼 Noteworthy Images in the Collection

🖼 📜 Front Side, RMS Dunvegan Castle Deck Class Steamship Ticket, 1912

📌 Why is this image important?

✔️ A rare visual of a Deck Class passage receipt, which is less commonly preserved than First or Second-Class tickets.

✔️ Provides insight into the travel experience of lower-class passengers aboard British steamships.

✔️ Links maritime migration history to real, documented journeys.

🖼 📜 Terms, Conditions, and Regulations of Passage on the Union-Castle Line, 1912

📌 Why is this image important?

✔️ Explains detailed passenger rights, rules, and responsibilities, offering a legal perspective on early 20th-century ocean travel.

✔️ Reveals strict regulations around ticket usage, refunds, passenger obligations, and on-board behavior.

✔️ Highlights the challenges faced by Deck Class travelers, who had minimal amenities compared to higher-class passengers.

⚖️ The Terms & Conditions of Passage: A Glimpse into Maritime Law

📌 Key Takeaways from the Ticket Regulations:

✔️ Passengers forfeited their fare if they failed to board.

✔️ No berth or cabin was guaranteed unless officially assigned.

✔️ Passengers could be denied passage due to sickness or immigration restrictions.

✔️ Wines, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages were strictly regulated onboard.

✔️ Passengers had to cover their own expenses if delayed or quarantined at a port.

📌 Why does this matter?

These rules highlight the complexities of early 20th-century ocean travel, particularly for Deck Class passengers, who had limited rights and little recourse in cases of disputes.

💰 Ticket Price in Today’s Value: What Did It Cost to Travel?

📌 1912 Ticket Cost vs. 2020 Equivalent Value:

💰 Original Price: £11 – 0s – 0d

💰 Equivalent in 2020: £1,113.00 – £10,020.00 (depending on the measure used)

📌 Comparison of the Ticket’s Worth in 2020 Terms:

✔️ Basic Purchasing Power: £1,113.00

✔️ Labor Value (Equivalent Work Required): £4,347.00

✔️ Income Value (Relative to Modern Salaries): £6,323.00

✔️ Economic Share (Compared to the Economy): £10,020.00

🔎 **This means that the cost of traveling Deck Class in 1912 was a significant financial commitment—equivalent to a month’s wages for an average worker or several months' savings.

🚢 What is "Deck Class" in Ocean Travel?

"Deck Class" was a low-cost, basic travel accommodation on passenger steamships, typically referring to the most inexpensive ticket class available, often below Third Class or Steerage. It was primarily used for short-distance or colonial routes, particularly in British maritime networks, such as voyages within Africa, the Middle East, or between European and colonial ports.

📌 Key Characteristics of Deck Class Travel

1️⃣ 🚫 No Private Cabins or Berths

Unlike First, Second, or Third Class, passengers did not have assigned cabins.

They slept on deck, in shared open spaces, or in makeshift sleeping arrangements.

2️⃣ 💰 Cheapest Fare, Basic Amenities

Fares were significantly lower than Steerage (Third Class).

Limited or no bedding was provided—passengers often had to bring their own.

3️⃣ 🛳 Often Used by Laborers, Migrants, & Soldiers

Deck Class was common on colonial shipping routes, often transporting:

Manual laborers or contract workers

Migrants moving between British colonies

Military personnel on assignment

4️⃣ 🍽️ Food & Facilities Were Extremely Basic

Meals were sometimes not included in the ticket price.

Passengers had minimal access to toilets, washing facilities, and medical care.

5️⃣ ⚓ Frequently Used in British Colonial Routes

Common in shipping lines like the Union-Castle Line, which connected British ports with Africa, India, and Australia.

Often used by immigrants, traders, and indigenous travelers who could not afford standard accommodations.

🔎 Deck Class was often even more basic than Steerage, making it one of the roughest ways to travel by sea in the early 20th century.

🌍 Why Does Deck Class Matter for Genealogists & Historians?

📌 Tracing Migration Patterns

Deck Class was commonly used by colonial migrants and laborers. Many ancestral records might not specify Deck Class travel, making these tickets important missing links in family histories.

📌 Understanding British Colonial Shipping

This class of travel played a crucial role in transporting people across British-controlled territories, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

📌 Social & Economic Conditions of Early 20th-Century Travel

Studying Deck Class reveals the stark class differences in maritime travel, showing how different groups experienced ocean voyages based on wealth, race, and social status.

📌 Evidence of Harsh Travel Conditions

Passengers in Deck Class endured crowded, unsanitary conditions, often facing health risks, extreme weather, and rough seas. This is a stark contrast to luxury First-Class travel.

🛳 Notable Example: Deck Class on the SS Dunvegan Castle (1912)

Passenger: Mr. S. Peroganakis

Route: Port Said (Egypt) → Delagoa Bay (Mozambique)

Cost: £11 – 0s – 0d (Equivalent to £1,113 in 2020)

Facilities: Likely slept on deck with minimal access to food and hygiene

🚢 This document is a rare surviving example of Deck Class travel, offering insight into the challenges faced by lower-class passengers aboard British colonial steamships.

💬 Final Thoughts: Deck Class – The Hidden History of Maritime Migration
While luxury ocean liners like Titanic often dominate maritime history, Deck Class represents the harsh realities faced by everyday travelers, laborers, and colonial migrants. These records are invaluable for understanding how millions of people moved across the British Empire under conditions that were often difficult, overcrowded, and grueling.

📌 For teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, Deck Class records provide a powerful lens into the realities of colonial ocean travel and global migration in the early 20th century. 🌍🚢📜