REPATRIATED BRITISH NAVAL PRISONERS REACH PORT SAID ABOARD H.M.T. TALMA EN ROUTE FOR HOME - 23 MARCH 1943.

Images from The Imperial War Museum collection

The British built Type III Hunt-class destroyer MIAOULIS of The Royal Hellenic Navy escorts TALMA into Port Said.

The crowded TALMA, returns to Port Said with repatriated British,Australian and South African Naval P.O.W.'s

Officer prisoners admiring the vista as the TALMA reaches Port Said.

Officer prisoners having a final yarn as the TALMA neared port.

Lieut Commander E F Ferraby, RNR, of London (left) and Commander W L M Brown, DSC, RN, of Cheltenham, talking over their prisoner experiences on the boat-deck of the TALMA.

Admiral (retired) Sir Walter Cowan, KCB, DSO, MVO.

The retired Cowan voluntarily took the lower rank of Commander RN, and joined the commandos in 1941 to see service in his 8th war.

Here seen saluting as he left the Mercy Ship in Port Said. The 72 year old Cowan had been captured at the Battle of Bir Hakeim, near Tobruk

Admiral (retired) Sir Walter Cowan was to see action again in Italy during 1944. He was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Service Order.

Repatriated sailors landing in Egypt.

Repatriated sailors disembarking in Egypt

A repatriated sailor being greeted by a friend as he stepped ashore in Egypt.

Repatriated sailors in high spirits as they left the TALMA.

Repatriated sailors in high spirits

To read an account of the prisoner exchange and the reason for it please click here.