The leading story about the HMS Birkenhead is fascinating, though looking up further info finds that of the 193 saved "the survivors comprised 113 soldiers (all

The leading story about the HMS Birkenhead is fascinating, though looking up further info finds that of the 193 saved "the survivors comprised 113 soldiers (all ranks), 6 Royal Marines, 54 seamen (all ranks), 7 women, 13 children and at least one male civilian". "Why are women and children on a troop transport?" is a natural next question, and apparently they were family of senior officers.