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The SS Rohilla was built and launched by Harland and Wolff shipbuilders in Belfast. launched on the 6th September 1906, she was delivered to the British Indian Steam Navigation Co. Ltd on 17th November 1906. The SS Rohilla was named after Afghan tribes who had sought refuge in India during the 18th Century.
In 1908 the SS Rohilla entered service as a permanent military. On the 6th August 1914 she was requisitioned as a Hospital ship and became known as the HMHS Rohilla. She was refitted with the necessary equipment and all her passenger accommodation became hospital wards. She was also fitted with 2 operating theatres.
HMHS Rohilla departed from Southampton 16th August 1914 and sailed to Scapa Flow to start training. From there, on the 29th October 1914, the Rohilla set sail for what would be her last voyage. She took a course down the East Coast of England. Her Captain, Neilson, was unfamiliar with the waters and there was uncertainty whether enemy submarines or mines were in the area. To make matters worse the weather had started to deteriorate. By the time the Rohilla approached the northern side of Whitby, the weather was blowing gale force. The Whitby Coastguard saw that the course the Rohilla was heading was directly into the rocky coastline (or “Whitby Rock” as it is called). The crew aboard the Rohilla had no idea of the dangers that they were travelling towards. The Rohilla struck the rocks near Saltwick Nab at 4am 29th October 1914. It was believed the Rohilla had hit a mine largely down to those on board believing that they were much further out to sea. Over the course of a tragic weekend lifeboat crews using six lifeboats from Teesmouth, Whitby, Upgang, Scarborough and Tynemouth made valiant attempts to save those stranded aboard the doomed ship. Three gold medals and four silver medals were awarded for what is today still listed as one of the worst services the RNLI has had call to answer. Major Burton of the Tynemouth lifeboat was awarded an Empire Gallantry Medal on the 30th o f June 1924 for his bravery and Richard Eglon; Whitby’s second coxswain was presented with a special one off medal minted for him by the townsfolk of Tyneside in recognition of his valour.
84 people out of a compliment of 229 were lost, the final fifty being rescued after spending almost fifty hours on what little remained of the once proud ship.

This building was once the Bethel Congregational Chapel but is now self catering holiday accommodation.