Birkenhead - deserters

[mikemat]

A legend in our family is that one of our ancestors was a deserter from the Birkenhead after it sank in South Africa. He changed his name to James Barkly and only confessed to his daughter on his deathbed. Apparently his surname was O'Conner / O'Connel. There are 3 candidates who were considered to have drowned.

Any ideas how to find out his real identity?

PS: At least one other person deserted with him

[Jan1954]

Hi there,

Have you seen this about the Birkenhead?

http://www.btinternet.com/~palmiped/Birkenhead.htm