The Canvey Island Local Post (CILP) is pleased to announce the issue of its latest stamp and initial release for our new River Thames Wrecks series.
The first stamp in this occasional series is the SS Benmohr. On 6 February 1902, the SS Benmohr bound for India, collided with the SS Banffshire, a refrigerated cargo steamer, in thick fog in the River Thames Estuary off the Canvey Island coast.
The SS Benmohr settled by the stern and sank off Thorney Bay, Canvey Island. There are no reports of any casualties. In June 1902, she was raised and taken to a River Tyne shipyard for repairs. Her cargo of cement barrels had solidified due to their immersion, but Canvey developer Frederick Hester purchased them to build a jetty and also used them as foundations for several new buildings.
The SS Banffshire was repaired and sailed for Australia in May 1902. After repairs the SS Benmohr continued maritime duties, being sold to a Japanese company in 1911, until wrecked off the coast of Japan in 1927.
The SS Benmohr stamp features a 1902 contemporary sketch by Tom Merry. A total of 160 stamps have been produced.
CILP stamps are shipped worldwide from Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.
Postmaster
