Not sure on all this just got the Story from the BBC with permission to post it on site.
As for the Number of Crew and Personnel carried in larger UCL Ships during that time I can only say that it may well have been possible, as Troop Ships were so over crowded of that I am aware,having been on a Troop Ship when being sent to Aden on the Dilwara.
It was Murder there were so many crammed into the Cabins ,and to sleep at times was almost impossible.
Cheers
A snippet from report of Dunera during the War
"The ship was an overcrowded Hell-hole. Hammocks almost touched, many men had to sleep on the floor or on tables. There was only one piece of soap for twenty men, and one towel for ten men, water was rationed, and luggage was stowed away so there was no change of clothing
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