The SS Clyde was a steamship, launched as the SS City of Poona in 1871. She was operated by Smith George and Company until 1878 when she was sold to Temperleys, Carter and Drake and renamed. Clyde served as a troopship in 1879, taking British Army reinforcements to Southern Africa for the Anglo-Zulu War. She ran aground on a reef off Dyer Island of 3 April and sank. Her entire complement were saved, being ferried to the mainland by the Clyde's boats. HMS Tamar arrived the following day to embark the troops for the front.