The entire population of Tristan da Cunha (264 islanders and 29 temporary inhabitants) was evacuated in October, 1961, after a volcanic eruption which, although it occurred in close proximity to the settlement, only damaged one out of the 70 buildings and caused no casualties. The evacuees were taken first of all to Capetown and thence by sea to England, where they arrived in November, 1961. Temporary hutted accommodation was found for them at Pendell Camp, an army establishment near Redhill, Surrey, where they spent the first eight weeks of their first English winter in conditions of some discomfort. In January, 1961 they were transferred to more permanent homes in R.A.F. married quarters at Calshot, a small place situated on the western bank of Southampton Water near its junction with the Solent.