Travelling

[lundy06032013]

Hi all,

I was recently researching my family and discovered that 2 of the members had travelled to Africa and returned to Southampton in 1955.
What reason would there be or where can I find more information relating to the reason of the trip.
The first relative travelled from Africa to Southampton in may 1959 on the capetown castle(ship)
The other relative travelled from Africa to England in April 1955 on the Rhodesia Castle(ship)

thanks

[garstonite]

possibly Railway connections - not so much the track laying but a massive percent of the Metal Bridges they erected were made in England - Liverpool Company Blackwells made a HUGE amount for Africa and the English and South Africans erected them - ...just one possible answer 

[ThrelfallYorky]

The job or qualifications they had may help you discover the reason. As 1955 isn't that long ago, is it not possible to check it out with any living rellie who is old enough?
Also the area that was their ultimate destination might give a clue?

[GrahamSimons]

Which part of Africa? The passenger list may tell you more than just the port of disembarkation - it may state final destination or an address. It may give profession as well.
All sorts of possibilities from engineering to colonial civil service to merchants and doctors and teachers and missionaries. Not all Forces personnel travelled by troopship either.

[chempat]

My aunt went out in about 1954.  Why?  Because she could.  Wanted to travel, had experience of jobs that would be useful anywhere, had no ties as both parents were dead. She drove back on one occasion (and then ship out again).  She eventually came back, but worked and lived in many countries in-between.