by Terri Bey
RMS Titanic is on the third day of her maiden voyage. The weather is a mix of sun and clouds. Passengers are learning to get around the ship and getting used to life aboard the grand liner. Second Class passenger Lawrence Beesley noted how chilly it was to sit outside. First Class passenger Colonel Archibald Gracie praised the gymnasium and the pool. Gracie enjoyed how the pool was heated to a "refreshing temperature" and noted how he enjoyed the squash court. The brand new RMS Titanic was being very well received by the passengers.
The RMS Titanic's wireless operators Harold Bride and Senior Operator Jack Phillips had to fix the wireless apparatus when a part broke. It was technically against the Marconi Company's rules for these guys to fix it, but a big part of their job was to send passenger messages, as that was how they made their money and also to write down important messages from other ships that Captain Edward J. Smith would need to see, like iceberg warnings, so the wireless apparatus needed to be in full operation. The wireless could have run on a backup system, but the operators would have had limited range. In fact, the RMS Titanic did receive iceberg warnings from the Empress of Britain and the La Touraine. Considering what would befall the great new liner, it was a good idea that the two wireless operators did fix the apparatus.
Titanic-Related Media:
Book Recommendation:
"Titanic In Photographs" by Daniel Klstorner, Steve Hall, Bruce Beveridge, Art Braunschweiger and Scott Andrews
The team that created "Titanic: Ship Magnificent" has created an awesome book of classic and rare photographs of the RMS Titanic, from her creation in Belfast to her departure from Southampton to the aftermath of the great liner's tragic ending. I loved this book. There are photographs by Fr. Francis Browne and photos from private collections from such members of the Titanic Community as Titanic author George Behe. I loved seeing all of these beautiful photos of the boilers and of the ship itself. The rare photos of the great liner traveling to Cherbourg are awesome. There is this particular one that I loved, where the authors point out where you can see Captain Smith on board.
I will admit that when I read the book, I felt a bit of sadness and a bit of anger. I obviously felt sad and angry for the unnecessary loss of 1496 souls and for the trauma that the 712 survivors went through for the rest of their lives. That is a given. What got me so sad and angry was looking at the photos of this beautiful and I mean beautiful ship and thinking how such a gorgeous liner went to waste. In my opinion, the RMS Titanic is the most beautiful man-made object that was EVER built. I am counting ships, hotels, man-made landmarks, whatever. It just makes me so sad that she was ruined. Regardless, the book captures her beauty and I highly recommend it.
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