Titanic Graves & Memorials
INTRODUCTION
The following is based on our research intended for a talk, which was cancelled due to the Coronavirus. To save our efforts we decided to post individual stories on Facebook until the 108th anniversary of the disaster in 2020. The following posts went beyond the scope of our talk.
First of all we should clarify the term ‘Titanic grave’. There are no Titanic victims buried in Southampton Old Cemetery or anywhere else in the UK. About 300 bodies were recovered (many unidentified) and they were buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The graves in the Old Cemetery are mainly family graves on which a victim is remembered or graves of survivors, and we thank the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery (FoSOC) for their help with this information.
– A.H. & W.S. April 2020
The following is based on our research intended for a talk, which was cancelled due to the Coronavirus. To save our efforts we decided to post individual stories on Facebook until the 108th anniversary of the disaster in 2020. The following posts went beyond the scope of our talk.
First of all we should clarify the term ‘Titanic grave’. There are no Titanic victims buried in Southampton Old Cemetery or anywhere else in the UK. About 300 bodies were recovered (many unidentified) and they were buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The graves in the Old Cemetery are mainly family graves on which a victim is remembered or graves of survivors, and we thank the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery (FoSOC) for their help with this information.
– A.H. & W.S. April 2020
HENRY ALLEN
Henry Allen was employed as a fireman and he had previously served on the Oceanic. He was born in Southampton, married Cecilia and they had seven children together. On the 1911 census the family is registered as living at 3 Wickham Court, French Street (the photograph right is of the court, the individuals at the doorway are not his family), but Henry was not present. He was detained at HMP Winchester – crime unknown. His body was recovered by the SS McKay Bennett and interred at Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia. A post from a descendant comments wryly that the only reason a lowly stoker had not been buried at sea was because he had been identified. The fact that he was wearing three pairs of trousers and was carrying his Discharge Book indicates that he was probably off watch at the time of the collision and had an inkling that he might end up in a lifeboat or even the water. A Discharge Book is a continuous record of a seafarer’s service. Henry is remembered on his brother’s grave (Edward) at Southampton Old Cemetery with the inscription: “….also husband of C. Allen who was lost on the SS Titanic 15th April 1912 aged 30”.
Henry Allen was employed as a fireman and he had previously served on the Oceanic. He was born in Southampton, married Cecilia and they had seven children together. On the 1911 census the family is registered as living at 3 Wickham Court, French Street (the photograph right is of the court, the individuals at the doorway are not his family), but Henry was not present. He was detained at HMP Winchester – crime unknown. His body was recovered by the SS McKay Bennett and interred at Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia. A post from a descendant comments wryly that the only reason a lowly stoker had not been buried at sea was because he had been identified. The fact that he was wearing three pairs of trousers and was carrying his Discharge Book indicates that he was probably off watch at the time of the collision and had an inkling that he might end up in a lifeboat or even the water. A Discharge Book is a continuous record of a seafarer’s service. Henry is remembered on his brother’s grave (Edward) at Southampton Old Cemetery with the inscription: “….also husband of C. Allen who was lost on the SS Titanic 15th April 1912 aged 30”.
GEORGE BENNETT
One grave in Southampton Old Cemetery is very unusual in that the tribute to the Titanic victim was added 84 years after the disaster.
George Bennett lived with his parents at 3 Deal Street, St Mary’s, Southampton and was employed as a fireman. His previous ship, like so many of the crew, had been the Olympic. After his loss, his parents received 2s 6d a week from the Titanic Relief Fund as partially dependent parents – his mother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. They died within 2 years of each other in 1915 and 1917.
Mrs Priscilla Winn became interested in finding out the story of her grandfather’s cousin. Her research led her finally to Southampton Old Cemetery where she tracked down the grave of George’s parents. She then added a small plaque which read: “In memory of George Alfred Bennett, son of J. and E. Bennett. Fireman on the Titanic – lost at sea April 14/15th 1912 aged 30.”
One grave in Southampton Old Cemetery is very unusual in that the tribute to the Titanic victim was added 84 years after the disaster.
George Bennett lived with his parents at 3 Deal Street, St Mary’s, Southampton and was employed as a fireman. His previous ship, like so many of the crew, had been the Olympic. After his loss, his parents received 2s 6d a week from the Titanic Relief Fund as partially dependent parents – his mother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. They died within 2 years of each other in 1915 and 1917.
Mrs Priscilla Winn became interested in finding out the story of her grandfather’s cousin. Her research led her finally to Southampton Old Cemetery where she tracked down the grave of George’s parents. She then added a small plaque which read: “In memory of George Alfred Bennett, son of J. and E. Bennett. Fireman on the Titanic – lost at sea April 14/15th 1912 aged 30.”
HENRY ASHBURNHAM BULLEY
Henry Ashburnham Bulley is remembered on the memorial boards from St Augustine’s Church, Northam. He was born in Southampton and was the son of a master mariner, Captain William Bulley.
He was employed on the Titanic as a ‘boots’ (boots steward), which meant he collected shoes from outside the cabins of the 1st and 2nd class passengers and took them away to shine them. There were 8 boots (although an extra one seems to have sneaked into the photo) and a chief boots on the Titanic. Surprisingly, although the class system among the passengers was rigidly defined, the pay for the crew was quite egalitarian – every steward from a boots to a 1st class saloon steward was paid exactly the same of £3.15s a month.
Henry was only 21 when he lost his life in the sinking and is commemorated on his parent’s gravestone in Southampton Old Cemetery.
Henry Ashburnham Bulley is remembered on the memorial boards from St Augustine’s Church, Northam. He was born in Southampton and was the son of a master mariner, Captain William Bulley.
He was employed on the Titanic as a ‘boots’ (boots steward), which meant he collected shoes from outside the cabins of the 1st and 2nd class passengers and took them away to shine them. There were 8 boots (although an extra one seems to have sneaked into the photo) and a chief boots on the Titanic. Surprisingly, although the class system among the passengers was rigidly defined, the pay for the crew was quite egalitarian – every steward from a boots to a 1st class saloon steward was paid exactly the same of £3.15s a month.
Henry was only 21 when he lost his life in the sinking and is commemorated on his parent’s gravestone in Southampton Old Cemetery.
CLENCH BROTHERS
Frederick (top left photo) and George Clench were Able Seamen on the Titanic and lived at I0 Improved Dwellings, Chantry Road. Both had previously worked the Olympic and as able seamen they would have received monthly wages of £5. Frederick was saved, George was not. Outside the White Star Line offices in Canute Road, the names of survivors were posted. Frederick’s name was given as “Church” on a posting (top right photo) and even the correction was not completely correct.
Frederick gave evidence to the US Senate Inquiry and described how he helped second Officer Lightoller load lifeboats on the port side. Eventually he was ordered into boat 12 which ended up taking on some of the crew who were atop overturned collapsible B. After the disaster, he continued to work at sea. He is buried in Southampton Old Cemetery, but there is no headstone. Until recently George Clench had no memorial but now a road in the Chapel area has been named Clench Street (not far from Chantry Road) in his memory.
Frederick (top left photo) and George Clench were Able Seamen on the Titanic and lived at I0 Improved Dwellings, Chantry Road. Both had previously worked the Olympic and as able seamen they would have received monthly wages of £5. Frederick was saved, George was not. Outside the White Star Line offices in Canute Road, the names of survivors were posted. Frederick’s name was given as “Church” on a posting (top right photo) and even the correction was not completely correct.
Frederick gave evidence to the US Senate Inquiry and described how he helped second Officer Lightoller load lifeboats on the port side. Eventually he was ordered into boat 12 which ended up taking on some of the crew who were atop overturned collapsible B. After the disaster, he continued to work at sea. He is buried in Southampton Old Cemetery, but there is no headstone. Until recently George Clench had no memorial but now a road in the Chapel area has been named Clench Street (not far from Chantry Road) in his memory.
ALFRED CRAWFORD
Alfred Crawford was a 1st Class Bedroom Steward on the Titanic. Southampton born, he married Emily Pilgrim in the New Forest and they had two children. At the American Inquiry he reported going on deck after the impact and seeing the iceberg “a large black object” passing along the starboard side. He went below and told his passengers to dress warmly, then conducted them to the boat deck. Among his charges were Isidor Strauss, co-owner of the famous Macy’s department store, and his wife, Ida. Mrs Strauss saw her maid, Ellen Bird, into boat 8 and was about to join her when suddenly she flung her arms around her husband’s neck saying “We’ve been together all these years. Where you go, I go”, and refused to get in. They both perished in the sinking. Alfred was instructed to get into the boat himself by Captain Smith and rowed doggedly for 5 hours under the direction of seaman, Thomas Jones, until the Carpathia came into view.
After Alfred returned to Southampton he continued working at sea serving in the merchant service during WWI. He died aged 68 on 9 February 1938 and was buried in Southampton Old Cemetery.
Alfred Crawford was a 1st Class Bedroom Steward on the Titanic. Southampton born, he married Emily Pilgrim in the New Forest and they had two children. At the American Inquiry he reported going on deck after the impact and seeing the iceberg “a large black object” passing along the starboard side. He went below and told his passengers to dress warmly, then conducted them to the boat deck. Among his charges were Isidor Strauss, co-owner of the famous Macy’s department store, and his wife, Ida. Mrs Strauss saw her maid, Ellen Bird, into boat 8 and was about to join her when suddenly she flung her arms around her husband’s neck saying “We’ve been together all these years. Where you go, I go”, and refused to get in. They both perished in the sinking. Alfred was instructed to get into the boat himself by Captain Smith and rowed doggedly for 5 hours under the direction of seaman, Thomas Jones, until the Carpathia came into view.
After Alfred returned to Southampton he continued working at sea serving in the merchant service during WWI. He died aged 68 on 9 February 1938 and was buried in Southampton Old Cemetery.
JAMES CRIMMINS
James Crimmins was a fireman who survived the sinking. He was on shift when the ship hit the iceberg and gave an account of his experience many years later:
“I was in the stokehole, working in just a vest and short pants, when there was a shout “Every man for himself.” I dashed up to the boat deck, where there were crowds of passengers milling about near lifeboats being lowered. … I helped where I could and got away myself among those in the last lifeboat. I was the only one in the lifeboat who was half-naked, and a woman passenger, the wealthy Mrs Astor, ripped her big fur muff down the middle to wrap around me. I reckon that saved my life for we had to wait four-and-a-half hours before we were picked up by the liner Carpathia.”
James continued to work in the Merchant service, including the Windsor Castle, which was acting as a troopship when it was torpedoed in the Mediterranean. In his last years, plagued by ill health, he lived in the Salvation Army Hostel in Oxford Street. His grave is marked by a wooden cross in Southampton Old Cemetery.
James Crimmins was a fireman who survived the sinking. He was on shift when the ship hit the iceberg and gave an account of his experience many years later:
“I was in the stokehole, working in just a vest and short pants, when there was a shout “Every man for himself.” I dashed up to the boat deck, where there were crowds of passengers milling about near lifeboats being lowered. … I helped where I could and got away myself among those in the last lifeboat. I was the only one in the lifeboat who was half-naked, and a woman passenger, the wealthy Mrs Astor, ripped her big fur muff down the middle to wrap around me. I reckon that saved my life for we had to wait four-and-a-half hours before we were picked up by the liner Carpathia.”
James continued to work in the Merchant service, including the Windsor Castle, which was acting as a troopship when it was torpedoed in the Mediterranean. In his last years, plagued by ill health, he lived in the Salvation Army Hostel in Oxford Street. His grave is marked by a wooden cross in Southampton Old Cemetery.
CHARLES CRUMPLIN
Charles Crumplin was born in Southsea and spent much of his life in Portsmouth before starting his career in the merchant service. There is some confusion about where he and his family, wife Ada and two children, lived in Southampton. Some sources place them at The Anchor and Hope Hotel, Threefield Lane, St Mary’s but when Charles signed on he gave his address as 20 Shakespeare Avenue. As a bedroom steward he earned £3.15s a month. His name was added to the family grave in the Southampton Old Cemetery.
He was lost in the sinking and Ada put a very moving entry in the In memoriam column of The Hampshire Independent: “in ever sorrowing memory of my dear husband, Charles Crumplin … I cannot stand before his grave, For he sleeps in the secret sea: And not one gentle whispering wave, Will tell the spot to me”. She remarried twice but sadly was also widowed twice more.
Charles Crumplin was born in Southsea and spent much of his life in Portsmouth before starting his career in the merchant service. There is some confusion about where he and his family, wife Ada and two children, lived in Southampton. Some sources place them at The Anchor and Hope Hotel, Threefield Lane, St Mary’s but when Charles signed on he gave his address as 20 Shakespeare Avenue. As a bedroom steward he earned £3.15s a month. His name was added to the family grave in the Southampton Old Cemetery.
He was lost in the sinking and Ada put a very moving entry in the In memoriam column of The Hampshire Independent: “in ever sorrowing memory of my dear husband, Charles Crumplin … I cannot stand before his grave, For he sleeps in the secret sea: And not one gentle whispering wave, Will tell the spot to me”. She remarried twice but sadly was also widowed twice more.
FRANK DYMOND
Frank Dymond was a fireman who survived the sinking. Before joining the merchant service, he was in the Royal Navy and his record was not to his credit. He spent numerous times in cells for misconduct and was sentenced to 42 days hard labour for deserting his ship, Good Hope. Shoreside, Frank was a keen boxer and was described by his family as a ‘hard man’.
On the fateful night of the Titanic’s sinking, he was detailed to take charge of Lifeboat 15. Frank recalled how the boat was damaged as it was lowered between the two decks by striking the side of the ship. By the time the lifeboat reached A-deck it had swung out about two feet from the ship’s side and started taking more people. A rush, however, ensued and Frank reported striking a “foreigner” who clambered aboard. Noticing that the boat was full he shouted out to lower away and in the confusion several men fell into the sea. Frank took the tiller and his seamanship allowed the laden boat to move safely away from the stricken liner.
Like many of the surviving crew he was not required to give evidence at either the British or American inquiries. Frank returned to sea and survived another two shipwrecks. He died at his home in Derby Road, aged 70, and his grave is marked by a wooden cross in Southampton Old Cemetery.
Frank Dymond was a fireman who survived the sinking. Before joining the merchant service, he was in the Royal Navy and his record was not to his credit. He spent numerous times in cells for misconduct and was sentenced to 42 days hard labour for deserting his ship, Good Hope. Shoreside, Frank was a keen boxer and was described by his family as a ‘hard man’.
On the fateful night of the Titanic’s sinking, he was detailed to take charge of Lifeboat 15. Frank recalled how the boat was damaged as it was lowered between the two decks by striking the side of the ship. By the time the lifeboat reached A-deck it had swung out about two feet from the ship’s side and started taking more people. A rush, however, ensued and Frank reported striking a “foreigner” who clambered aboard. Noticing that the boat was full he shouted out to lower away and in the confusion several men fell into the sea. Frank took the tiller and his seamanship allowed the laden boat to move safely away from the stricken liner.
Like many of the surviving crew he was not required to give evidence at either the British or American inquiries. Frank returned to sea and survived another two shipwrecks. He died at his home in Derby Road, aged 70, and his grave is marked by a wooden cross in Southampton Old Cemetery.
GEORGE BULKELEY EDE
George Bulkeley Ede was born in Southampton to Arthur and Ruth Ede. His father was an ancestor of Job Ede, who owned the Jessop Estate plantation on Nevis Island, West Indies. Job received compensation for loss of earnings through slavery and the money enabled him to build Clayfield House, situated in the family owned estate (1830s–1840s) on the corner of Banister Road and the Avenue (today Hulse Road and Cavendish Gardens). It had seven bedrooms, eight servant’s rooms and numerous outbuildings. Job was recorded living here in 1841 at the age of 55 years. The house, however, was demolished in the 1880s and the estate developed into housing.
George’s father was a Southampton town councillor for St Denys Ward and, from the 1901 census onwards, was resident at Bulkeley House, Manor Farm Road, South Stoneham. When he died in 1935, he left an estate worth £9823. So, with a moneyed background like this, why was George working on White Star liners (he was on the Olympic prior to signing on the Titanic) as a 3rd class steward earning £3.15s a week? Had he rebelled against the family or had they cast him out? George died age 23 and his body was not recovered. He is remembered on his parents’ grave in Southampton Old Cemetery.
George Bulkeley Ede was born in Southampton to Arthur and Ruth Ede. His father was an ancestor of Job Ede, who owned the Jessop Estate plantation on Nevis Island, West Indies. Job received compensation for loss of earnings through slavery and the money enabled him to build Clayfield House, situated in the family owned estate (1830s–1840s) on the corner of Banister Road and the Avenue (today Hulse Road and Cavendish Gardens). It had seven bedrooms, eight servant’s rooms and numerous outbuildings. Job was recorded living here in 1841 at the age of 55 years. The house, however, was demolished in the 1880s and the estate developed into housing.
George’s father was a Southampton town councillor for St Denys Ward and, from the 1901 census onwards, was resident at Bulkeley House, Manor Farm Road, South Stoneham. When he died in 1935, he left an estate worth £9823. So, with a moneyed background like this, why was George working on White Star liners (he was on the Olympic prior to signing on the Titanic) as a 3rd class steward earning £3.15s a week? Had he rebelled against the family or had they cast him out? George died age 23 and his body was not recovered. He is remembered on his parents’ grave in Southampton Old Cemetery.
FREDERICK FLEET
Frederick Fleet was the lookout on the Titanic who telephoned the iceberg warning to the bridge. He was born in Liverpool where his mother abandoned him to a series of children’s homes when she emigrated to America. He put to sea at a very early age and had served for four years on the Oceanic before transferring to the Titanic. Although he would have had to pass a sight test, he had never served as a lookout before; however, evidence given at both the American and British enquiry showed that both lookouts were carrying out their duties with care – so please do not believe the film!
One of the issues that White Star were anxious to sweep under the carpet was that there were no glasses (binoculars) available to the lookouts. Fred stated in his evidence that he would have been able to see the iceberg sooner if he had had them. After the lookouts went off duty, Fred reported to the lifeboats and was a member of the crew on lifeboat 6 – Molly Brown was also on this boat.
After giving evidence in the US and British enquiry Fred stayed with the White Star Line for a few months. He then left as he felt that ex-Titanic crew were being viewed as embarrassing reminders of what had happened. However, he remained at sea for many years, and then worked in the maritime industry. The photograph shows him as an Echo seller in later life. Very sadly he committed suicide by hanging at the age of 77, shortly after the death of his wife. He was buried in an unmarked grave in Hollybrook, and a headstone was later placed on his grave amidst some controversy.
Frederick Fleet was the lookout on the Titanic who telephoned the iceberg warning to the bridge. He was born in Liverpool where his mother abandoned him to a series of children’s homes when she emigrated to America. He put to sea at a very early age and had served for four years on the Oceanic before transferring to the Titanic. Although he would have had to pass a sight test, he had never served as a lookout before; however, evidence given at both the American and British enquiry showed that both lookouts were carrying out their duties with care – so please do not believe the film!
One of the issues that White Star were anxious to sweep under the carpet was that there were no glasses (binoculars) available to the lookouts. Fred stated in his evidence that he would have been able to see the iceberg sooner if he had had them. After the lookouts went off duty, Fred reported to the lifeboats and was a member of the crew on lifeboat 6 – Molly Brown was also on this boat.
After giving evidence in the US and British enquiry Fred stayed with the White Star Line for a few months. He then left as he felt that ex-Titanic crew were being viewed as embarrassing reminders of what had happened. However, he remained at sea for many years, and then worked in the maritime industry. The photograph shows him as an Echo seller in later life. Very sadly he committed suicide by hanging at the age of 77, shortly after the death of his wife. He was buried in an unmarked grave in Hollybrook, and a headstone was later placed on his grave amidst some controversy.
ALFRED ERNEST GEER
Alfred Ernest Geer was taken on the Titanic at the last minute as a fireman. He lived at 2 Stamford Street and was a native of Southampton. He was aged just 24 and was a married man. Sadly, like so many others, his body was not recovered. He is remembered on his father’s headstone in the Southampton Old Cemetery. There was also a memorial to him in St Augustine’s Church, Northam, which is now closed.
Alfred Ernest Geer was taken on the Titanic at the last minute as a fireman. He lived at 2 Stamford Street and was a native of Southampton. He was aged just 24 and was a married man. Sadly, like so many others, his body was not recovered. He is remembered on his father’s headstone in the Southampton Old Cemetery. There was also a memorial to him in St Augustine’s Church, Northam, which is now closed.
ALBERT HAINES
Albert Haines was a boarder at 52 Grove Street, Southampton, and Boatswain’s mate on the Titanic. His monthly wage was £5 10s. When the ship struck the iceberg Albert made his way to his designated lifeboat no. 9, which contained mainly women second class passengers. There is some disagreement as to whether the lifeboat was full, but many passengers refused to trust the swinging lifeboats, preferring to stay on the ship which was believed to be unsinkable.
Albert gave evidence to the American enquiry, and then returned to Southampton. On 6th June 1933 while crossing the Avenue he was struck by a car, and unfortunately died. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Old Cemetery, but thanks to the efforts of the Titanic Society his grave is now marked with a simple memorial cross.
Albert Haines was a boarder at 52 Grove Street, Southampton, and Boatswain’s mate on the Titanic. His monthly wage was £5 10s. When the ship struck the iceberg Albert made his way to his designated lifeboat no. 9, which contained mainly women second class passengers. There is some disagreement as to whether the lifeboat was full, but many passengers refused to trust the swinging lifeboats, preferring to stay on the ship which was believed to be unsinkable.
Albert gave evidence to the American enquiry, and then returned to Southampton. On 6th June 1933 while crossing the Avenue he was struck by a car, and unfortunately died. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Old Cemetery, but thanks to the efforts of the Titanic Society his grave is now marked with a simple memorial cross.
HARRIS BROTHERS
All the stories of Titanic victims are sad but the story of the two Harris brothers is particularly poignant. They lived at 14 Short Street, St Marys. Sixteen year old Clifford Harris (photo top left) was one of three bellboys employed on the Titanic and they earned £2 a month. Clifford must have been very happy to be on the same ship as his big brother, Charles (photo top right), who was a saloon steward (2nd class) and himself only nineteen. They were both lost in the sinking and their bodies were never recovered. On 17th April 1915 this notice appeared in the In Memoriam section of the Hampshire Independent: “To the sweet and undying memory of our darling sons Charlie and Clifford, aged 19 and 16, who lost their lives on the SS Titanic, April 15th, 1912. To live in hearts we left behind is not to die. Mum and Dad.” Clifford is the youngest commemorated victim in Southampton Old Cemetery and is remembered with Charles on the Harris family grave.
All the stories of Titanic victims are sad but the story of the two Harris brothers is particularly poignant. They lived at 14 Short Street, St Marys. Sixteen year old Clifford Harris (photo top left) was one of three bellboys employed on the Titanic and they earned £2 a month. Clifford must have been very happy to be on the same ship as his big brother, Charles (photo top right), who was a saloon steward (2nd class) and himself only nineteen. They were both lost in the sinking and their bodies were never recovered. On 17th April 1915 this notice appeared in the In Memoriam section of the Hampshire Independent: “To the sweet and undying memory of our darling sons Charlie and Clifford, aged 19 and 16, who lost their lives on the SS Titanic, April 15th, 1912. To live in hearts we left behind is not to die. Mum and Dad.” Clifford is the youngest commemorated victim in Southampton Old Cemetery and is remembered with Charles on the Harris family grave.
HENRY PRICE HODGES
Henry Price Hodges was born in 1862. He was a music and pianoforte dealer, although contrary to some people’s belief, he did not supply pianos to the Titanic. He and his family lived at the former ‘The Cotswolds’ – the Highfield House Hotel now stands on the site. He was travelling to Boston to visit relatives as a Second Class Passenger on the Titanic. The information we have about Henry shows he was very well to do as his ticket cost £13 – compare that with the monthly wages of some of the crew. When his body was recovered it had £40 in notes as well as £5 in gold. His estate was worth £16,694 5s 3d; however, £2 and 7s weekly was awarded to his widow Ellen and her eight children, from the Mansion House relief fund. He is buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The photographs show Henry himself, his memorial on his wife’s grave in Southampton Old Cemetery and the memorial in the Highfield House Hotel.
Henry Price Hodges was born in 1862. He was a music and pianoforte dealer, although contrary to some people’s belief, he did not supply pianos to the Titanic. He and his family lived at the former ‘The Cotswolds’ – the Highfield House Hotel now stands on the site. He was travelling to Boston to visit relatives as a Second Class Passenger on the Titanic. The information we have about Henry shows he was very well to do as his ticket cost £13 – compare that with the monthly wages of some of the crew. When his body was recovered it had £40 in notes as well as £5 in gold. His estate was worth £16,694 5s 3d; however, £2 and 7s weekly was awarded to his widow Ellen and her eight children, from the Mansion House relief fund. He is buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The photographs show Henry himself, his memorial on his wife’s grave in Southampton Old Cemetery and the memorial in the Highfield House Hotel.
WILLIAM JEFFERY
There were workers on the Titanic who were not paid by the White Star Line including postal workers, musicians and employees of the Gatti A La Carte Restaurant. William Jeffery was a store controller, one of only three English men employed by Gatti. He was Southampton born and lived with his parents at 2 Church Lane, Highfield. We know that on Easter Sunday, before signing on to the Titanic later that week, he was singing in the choir at Holy Rood Church. He had been a member of the choir for 16 years. He did not survive the sinking and his body was not identified. ‘Tribute to a Chorister’ appeared in the Southampton Times on 27th April 1912 and revealed he was soon to have been wed. William is remembered on a family grave in Southampton Old Cemetery with the words, “A loved voice gone from an earthly choir to swell the choirs of heaven”.
There were workers on the Titanic who were not paid by the White Star Line including postal workers, musicians and employees of the Gatti A La Carte Restaurant. William Jeffery was a store controller, one of only three English men employed by Gatti. He was Southampton born and lived with his parents at 2 Church Lane, Highfield. We know that on Easter Sunday, before signing on to the Titanic later that week, he was singing in the choir at Holy Rood Church. He had been a member of the choir for 16 years. He did not survive the sinking and his body was not identified. ‘Tribute to a Chorister’ appeared in the Southampton Times on 27th April 1912 and revealed he was soon to have been wed. William is remembered on a family grave in Southampton Old Cemetery with the words, “A loved voice gone from an earthly choir to swell the choirs of heaven”.
WILLIAM DICKSON MACKIE
William Dickson Mackie was a Junior 5th Engineer with a monthly wage of £9.10s. None of the engineers survived because they worked as long as possible to delay the sinking in the hollow hope that help would arrive. Water had to be pumped from flooded compartments and boilers not needed for pumps and dynamos had to be shut down. Potential explosions had to be avoided at all costs because they would have expedited the sinking. The scene in the engine and boiler rooms must have been chaotic, but the engineers would have known what was expected of them – they stayed at their task even though they will have known that they could not save the ship and that their lives were at risk. By the time the order to abandon ship came, it was too late. William had lost his wife, Annie, less than six months before signing onto the Titanic and he is remembered on her grave in Southampton Old Cemetery (upper photo). William along with Frank Parsons and Arthur Rous are also remembered on the magnificent Engineer’s Memorial in East Park.
William Dickson Mackie was a Junior 5th Engineer with a monthly wage of £9.10s. None of the engineers survived because they worked as long as possible to delay the sinking in the hollow hope that help would arrive. Water had to be pumped from flooded compartments and boilers not needed for pumps and dynamos had to be shut down. Potential explosions had to be avoided at all costs because they would have expedited the sinking. The scene in the engine and boiler rooms must have been chaotic, but the engineers would have known what was expected of them – they stayed at their task even though they will have known that they could not save the ship and that their lives were at risk. By the time the order to abandon ship came, it was too late. William had lost his wife, Annie, less than six months before signing onto the Titanic and he is remembered on her grave in Southampton Old Cemetery (upper photo). William along with Frank Parsons and Arthur Rous are also remembered on the magnificent Engineer’s Memorial in East Park.
MAY FAMILY
Another family who lost more than one member were the Mays. The top photo is of Amelia May aged 19 who lost her husband, Arthur (middle photo), and her father-in-law, also called Arthur (bottom photo). Arthur was born in Southampton and previously served on the Olympic. He joined the Titanic as a fireman being paid the monthly wage of £6. His father, Arthur senior was born in Southampton and served on the Briton before joining the Titanic as a fireman’s messman, also on the £6 wage. This article published in the Daily Mail on the 18th April 1912 vividly sums up the dire situation in which this family was left:
“Mrs May, across the way, lost her husband and eldest son. The son was married a year ago and his wife had a baby six weeks ago ... Crossing the road I had a talk with the elder Mrs May, a slight, pale woman with dark sorrowful eyes. She asked eagerly for news, but when I had none to give, she sighed and the corner of her apron went to her eyes. “Yes, it’s true,” she said in a weary voice. “Husband and son have gone and left eleven of us. It was the first time that Arthur and his father had been at sea together, and it wouldn't have happened if Arthur hadn’t been out of work because of the coal strike. He tried to get work ashore but failed, and he had his wife and a baby to keep. So he signed on aboard the Titanic as a fireman. His father shouldn’t have been on the Titanic but a bad leg kept him from going on his own ship, the Britannia. Now they’re gone and there's eleven of us. The eldest boy, nineteen, makes a few shillings a week by odd jobs. My own youngest baby is six months old.” ”
The bodies of both father and son were never recovered. They are remembered on the family grave in Southampton Old Cemetery.
Another family who lost more than one member were the Mays. The top photo is of Amelia May aged 19 who lost her husband, Arthur (middle photo), and her father-in-law, also called Arthur (bottom photo). Arthur was born in Southampton and previously served on the Olympic. He joined the Titanic as a fireman being paid the monthly wage of £6. His father, Arthur senior was born in Southampton and served on the Briton before joining the Titanic as a fireman’s messman, also on the £6 wage. This article published in the Daily Mail on the 18th April 1912 vividly sums up the dire situation in which this family was left:
“Mrs May, across the way, lost her husband and eldest son. The son was married a year ago and his wife had a baby six weeks ago ... Crossing the road I had a talk with the elder Mrs May, a slight, pale woman with dark sorrowful eyes. She asked eagerly for news, but when I had none to give, she sighed and the corner of her apron went to her eyes. “Yes, it’s true,” she said in a weary voice. “Husband and son have gone and left eleven of us. It was the first time that Arthur and his father had been at sea together, and it wouldn't have happened if Arthur hadn’t been out of work because of the coal strike. He tried to get work ashore but failed, and he had his wife and a baby to keep. So he signed on aboard the Titanic as a fireman. His father shouldn’t have been on the Titanic but a bad leg kept him from going on his own ship, the Britannia. Now they’re gone and there's eleven of us. The eldest boy, nineteen, makes a few shillings a week by odd jobs. My own youngest baby is six months old.” ”
The bodies of both father and son were never recovered. They are remembered on the family grave in Southampton Old Cemetery.
FRANK ALFRED PARSONS
Frank Alfred Parsons was born in Freemantle. He did an apprenticeship with the Isle of Wight Steam Packet Company and then served with the Union Castle Line before joining the White Star Line in April 1910. Frank served on the Olympic before becoming a Senior 5th Engineer on the Titanic, earning a monthly wage of £10. None of the engineers survived the sinking because they worked as long as possible to delay the sinking in the belief that help would arrive. His body was not recovered and his wife, Elizabeth, was left a widow. He is remembered on his parents’ grave which, sadly, has twice been badly damaged. Frank along with William Mackie and Arthur Rous are also remembered on the Engineer’s Memorial in East Park.
Frank Alfred Parsons was born in Freemantle. He did an apprenticeship with the Isle of Wight Steam Packet Company and then served with the Union Castle Line before joining the White Star Line in April 1910. Frank served on the Olympic before becoming a Senior 5th Engineer on the Titanic, earning a monthly wage of £10. None of the engineers survived the sinking because they worked as long as possible to delay the sinking in the belief that help would arrive. His body was not recovered and his wife, Elizabeth, was left a widow. He is remembered on his parents’ grave which, sadly, has twice been badly damaged. Frank along with William Mackie and Arthur Rous are also remembered on the Engineer’s Memorial in East Park.
RESTAURANT STAFF
The a la carte restaurant on the Titanic was run by Sig. Gaspare Antonino Pietro Gatti, known as Luigi, as a concession. He had just recently moved from Marylebone, London to Harborough Road, Southampton. Both Luigi (upper photo) and his head chef from the Olympic travelled on the Titanic for her maiden voyage to oversee the 60+ staff and ensure the success of this new venture. There was a restaurant specifically for 1st class passengers, and meals there were included in the cost of the ticket. However, in order to sample Luigi’s haute cuisine, they had to pay a supplement, but apparently the superior decor, service and atmosphere made it worthwhile.
Luigi’s staff were mainly Italian and French and were regarded with a degree of suspicion by the rest of the crew. Although the findings of the British and US inquiries were ambivalent on the subject, there is a lot of evidence that steerage passengers, including women, were prevented from reaching the boat decks. It would seem that the same thing happened to the restaurant staff. Luigi’s body was recovered from the waters and buried in Nova Scotia. Paul Maugé (lower photo), the only survivor apart from the two female English cashiers, stated at the British inquiry that his fellow workers were prevented from going on deck by stewards. Paul attributed his own survival to the fact that he was not in uniform and was therefore mistaken for a passenger. He made it to the deck and jumped into lifeboat 13 as it was being lowered. Some of the Italians who were lost in the disaster came from the Italian community in Southampton and there is a plaque commemorating the restaurant staff in St Joseph’s Church where many of them had worshipped.
The a la carte restaurant on the Titanic was run by Sig. Gaspare Antonino Pietro Gatti, known as Luigi, as a concession. He had just recently moved from Marylebone, London to Harborough Road, Southampton. Both Luigi (upper photo) and his head chef from the Olympic travelled on the Titanic for her maiden voyage to oversee the 60+ staff and ensure the success of this new venture. There was a restaurant specifically for 1st class passengers, and meals there were included in the cost of the ticket. However, in order to sample Luigi’s haute cuisine, they had to pay a supplement, but apparently the superior decor, service and atmosphere made it worthwhile.
Luigi’s staff were mainly Italian and French and were regarded with a degree of suspicion by the rest of the crew. Although the findings of the British and US inquiries were ambivalent on the subject, there is a lot of evidence that steerage passengers, including women, were prevented from reaching the boat decks. It would seem that the same thing happened to the restaurant staff. Luigi’s body was recovered from the waters and buried in Nova Scotia. Paul Maugé (lower photo), the only survivor apart from the two female English cashiers, stated at the British inquiry that his fellow workers were prevented from going on deck by stewards. Paul attributed his own survival to the fact that he was not in uniform and was therefore mistaken for a passenger. He made it to the deck and jumped into lifeboat 13 as it was being lowered. Some of the Italians who were lost in the disaster came from the Italian community in Southampton and there is a plaque commemorating the restaurant staff in St Joseph’s Church where many of them had worshipped.
HORACE ROSS
Horace Ross was born in Southampton. He had four children with his wife, Florence, and lived in Woolston. Horace was 36 when he signed on the Titanic as a scullion, the lowest of the low in the kitchen, although at £3.10s, his salary was only 5s less than that of a steward. He survived the sinking and was not required to testify at the Inquiries.
The Titanic was his first ship and he continued to work at sea during WWI and by 1922, he was assistant cook aboard the White Star Line’s new flagship, Majestic. He served, usually as assistant baker, on some of the classic liners of the 20s and 30s, including the Aquitania and the Mauretania. In retirement, he and his wife, Florence, moved to Poole to be near their daughter, also named Florence. Horace died 4 November 1940 aged 66 and was buried with his wife in Southampton Old Cemetery.
Horace Ross was born in Southampton. He had four children with his wife, Florence, and lived in Woolston. Horace was 36 when he signed on the Titanic as a scullion, the lowest of the low in the kitchen, although at £3.10s, his salary was only 5s less than that of a steward. He survived the sinking and was not required to testify at the Inquiries.
The Titanic was his first ship and he continued to work at sea during WWI and by 1922, he was assistant cook aboard the White Star Line’s new flagship, Majestic. He served, usually as assistant baker, on some of the classic liners of the 20s and 30s, including the Aquitania and the Mauretania. In retirement, he and his wife, Florence, moved to Poole to be near their daughter, also named Florence. Horace died 4 November 1940 aged 66 and was buried with his wife in Southampton Old Cemetery.
ARTHUR JOHN ROUS
Arthur John Rous was the Titanic’s only plumber, and we can assume that his competence went beyond day to day domestic pipes because these were all highly trained men.
Arthur was born in Southampton and joined the White Star Line as plumber on the Adriatic in May 1911 and served on the Olympic before signing onto the Titanic. As a ship’s plumber Arthur would expect to receive a monthly wage of £9.
He is remembered on a plaque on his father’s grave. Arthur along with William Mackie and Frank Parsons are also remembered on the magnificent Engineer’s Memorial in East Park.
Arthur John Rous was the Titanic’s only plumber, and we can assume that his competence went beyond day to day domestic pipes because these were all highly trained men.
Arthur was born in Southampton and joined the White Star Line as plumber on the Adriatic in May 1911 and served on the Olympic before signing onto the Titanic. As a ship’s plumber Arthur would expect to receive a monthly wage of £9.
He is remembered on a plaque on his father’s grave. Arthur along with William Mackie and Frank Parsons are also remembered on the magnificent Engineer’s Memorial in East Park.
FREDERICK SCOTT
Frederick Scott was employed on the Titanic as a greaser and was on shift when the ship struck the iceberg. When the command to ‘abandon ship’ was eventually given, he went up on deck to find that most of the lifeboats had already been launched. Spotting boat 4 which had only just hit the water, he slid down a rope into the sea and was hauled aboard by the occupants.
Back in Southampton, Frederick and his wife, Rose, welcomed their son James. in September 1915, Frederick was working aboard the paddle steamer, La Marguerite (top photo), en route from Dover to Southampton, when an explosion in the engine room cost him his life. His body was brought back to Southampton and buried in the Southampton Old Cemetery.
Frederick Scott was employed on the Titanic as a greaser and was on shift when the ship struck the iceberg. When the command to ‘abandon ship’ was eventually given, he went up on deck to find that most of the lifeboats had already been launched. Spotting boat 4 which had only just hit the water, he slid down a rope into the sea and was hauled aboard by the occupants.
Back in Southampton, Frederick and his wife, Rose, welcomed their son James. in September 1915, Frederick was working aboard the paddle steamer, La Marguerite (top photo), en route from Dover to Southampton, when an explosion in the engine room cost him his life. His body was brought back to Southampton and buried in the Southampton Old Cemetery.
SLADE BROTHERS
The Slade brothers of 21 Chantry Road were drinking in the Grapes in Oxford Street, Southampton with their mates before they went on board the Titanic. They had been taken on as firemen, and were probably pleased to have a job, as work had been very scarce due to a recent coal strike. However, as young men are wont to do they left it very late to leave the pub. They left at 11.50 am and had to be on board by 12.00. Unfortunately a passenger train was just crossing where they were. Two of the crew ran in front of the train and got on board, but the gangplank had been taken up by the time the Slades got there. They argued and shouted, but substitutes had already been taken on. They were noted down as deserters, but more likely they were just a little bit irresponsible and stayed in the pub too long. Thomas Slade died in 1933 and is buried in an unmarked grave in Southampton Old Cemetery. Bertram Slade died in 1939 and was buried in Hollybrook Cemetery. Alfred Slade died in 1965 and is also buried in Hollybrook in an unmarked grave.
The Slade brothers of 21 Chantry Road were drinking in the Grapes in Oxford Street, Southampton with their mates before they went on board the Titanic. They had been taken on as firemen, and were probably pleased to have a job, as work had been very scarce due to a recent coal strike. However, as young men are wont to do they left it very late to leave the pub. They left at 11.50 am and had to be on board by 12.00. Unfortunately a passenger train was just crossing where they were. Two of the crew ran in front of the train and got on board, but the gangplank had been taken up by the time the Slades got there. They argued and shouted, but substitutes had already been taken on. They were noted down as deserters, but more likely they were just a little bit irresponsible and stayed in the pub too long. Thomas Slade died in 1933 and is buried in an unmarked grave in Southampton Old Cemetery. Bertram Slade died in 1939 and was buried in Hollybrook Cemetery. Alfred Slade died in 1965 and is also buried in Hollybrook in an unmarked grave.
HARRY SMITHER
Harry Smither lived at 1 St Bernard, Bitterne Park. He was married to Daisy, had a daughter, Louisa. He was only 22 years old when he lost his life. He was employed as a fireman (stoker) and earned £6 p.m. The job was physically demanding but also had an element of skill because the fire had to be built and maintained in such a way that it fed the engines with maximum efficiency.
The inscription on the family grave in Southampton Old Cemetery (right) reads, “Also Harry James Smither, the dearly beloved son of Maud and Harry James Smither, who was lost on the SS Titanic, April 14th 1912. Aged 22 years. ‘In Jesus keeping’ ”.
Harry Smither lived at 1 St Bernard, Bitterne Park. He was married to Daisy, had a daughter, Louisa. He was only 22 years old when he lost his life. He was employed as a fireman (stoker) and earned £6 p.m. The job was physically demanding but also had an element of skill because the fire had to be built and maintained in such a way that it fed the engines with maximum efficiency.
The inscription on the family grave in Southampton Old Cemetery (right) reads, “Also Harry James Smither, the dearly beloved son of Maud and Harry James Smither, who was lost on the SS Titanic, April 14th 1912. Aged 22 years. ‘In Jesus keeping’ ”.
EDMUND STONE
Southampton born Edmund Stone, was living at 105 St Andrews Road, with his wife, Elizabeth, and his baby daughter, Gertrude, when he signed on to the Titanic. He was a 1st Class Bedroom Steward earning £3 15s a month. His body was picked up, identified and then buried at sea. Several of Edmund’s possessions were returned to his family, including a set of keys for Titanic’s 1st class cabins E1 to E42, a pencil, a steward’s receipt, a letter to his wife and his watch with its hands frozen at 2.16 am. They were auctioned in 2008 and raised £235,000. Edmund is remembered on his parent’s headstone in Southampton Old Cemetery.
Southampton born Edmund Stone, was living at 105 St Andrews Road, with his wife, Elizabeth, and his baby daughter, Gertrude, when he signed on to the Titanic. He was a 1st Class Bedroom Steward earning £3 15s a month. His body was picked up, identified and then buried at sea. Several of Edmund’s possessions were returned to his family, including a set of keys for Titanic’s 1st class cabins E1 to E42, a pencil, a steward’s receipt, a letter to his wife and his watch with its hands frozen at 2.16 am. They were auctioned in 2008 and raised £235,000. Edmund is remembered on his parent’s headstone in Southampton Old Cemetery.
CATHERINE WALLIS
Catherine Wallis was the Steerage Matron, who lived at 23 St Mary’s Place. She was married to James Wallis, but he died in 1911, so Catherine was left as the only breadwinner to raise her four children. Consequently she signed on to the Titanic on 6 April 1912, having transferred from the Oceanic. As assistant matron in third class she received monthly wages of £3. In Titanic Voices she is described as a timid lady and after seeing her passengers safe onto a lifeboat she refused to get on it herself and returned to her cabin – in common with many passengers and crew, she felt she was safer on the ship. Her body was never identified. Catherine has a memorial on her son's grave in Southampton Old Cemetery.
Catherine Wallis was the Steerage Matron, who lived at 23 St Mary’s Place. She was married to James Wallis, but he died in 1911, so Catherine was left as the only breadwinner to raise her four children. Consequently she signed on to the Titanic on 6 April 1912, having transferred from the Oceanic. As assistant matron in third class she received monthly wages of £3. In Titanic Voices she is described as a timid lady and after seeing her passengers safe onto a lifeboat she refused to get on it herself and returned to her cabin – in common with many passengers and crew, she felt she was safer on the ship. Her body was never identified. Catherine has a memorial on her son's grave in Southampton Old Cemetery.
HENRY DENNIS WITT
Henry Dennis Witt lived at 28 Lower College Street, which was the home of his sister. He was 37 years old and unwed. He was taken on just two hours before the sailing of the Titanic. Needless to say his body was never recovered. His father died died in 1902 and Henry’s memorial is placed on his father’s grave in the Southampton Old Cemetery.
Henry Dennis Witt lived at 28 Lower College Street, which was the home of his sister. He was 37 years old and unwed. He was taken on just two hours before the sailing of the Titanic. Needless to say his body was never recovered. His father died died in 1902 and Henry’s memorial is placed on his father’s grave in the Southampton Old Cemetery.
JAMES ROBERT WYETH
James Robert Wyeth was Northam born and he with some other men are named on a memorial in St Augustine's Church, Northam. The memorial was moved to the Maritime Museum when the church was taken over by the Northam Pentecostal Church, and are now, presumably, in the SeaCity Museum. James was employed on the Titanic as a fireman, and like so many others, had previously worked on the Olympic. He married Isabella Anne (known as Annie), a native of Yeovil, Somerset, in 1910 and she gave birth to a daughter, who they named Gladys Lily Beryl, early in 1912. They lived at 14 Millbank Street, Northam when James signed on to the Titanic. He was lost in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was not identified. His family benefitted from the Titanic Relief Fund. Annie stayed in Southampton, never remarried and sadly suffered a second blow when her daughter died at the age of eleven. A dedication to James is found on Wyeth family gravestone in the Southampton Old Cemetery.
James Robert Wyeth was Northam born and he with some other men are named on a memorial in St Augustine's Church, Northam. The memorial was moved to the Maritime Museum when the church was taken over by the Northam Pentecostal Church, and are now, presumably, in the SeaCity Museum. James was employed on the Titanic as a fireman, and like so many others, had previously worked on the Olympic. He married Isabella Anne (known as Annie), a native of Yeovil, Somerset, in 1910 and she gave birth to a daughter, who they named Gladys Lily Beryl, early in 1912. They lived at 14 Millbank Street, Northam when James signed on to the Titanic. He was lost in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was not identified. His family benefitted from the Titanic Relief Fund. Annie stayed in Southampton, never remarried and sadly suffered a second blow when her daughter died at the age of eleven. A dedication to James is found on Wyeth family gravestone in the Southampton Old Cemetery.