Description

RARE BOOKLET ON CAPTAIN SMITH

Very few books or memorabilia are available on Captain Smith. This rare booklet is an reproduction of the original Memorial Dedication to the ill-fated commander of RMS Titanic.

A committee of influential people was formed in 1913 with the object of arranging a fitting memorial to Commander Edward John Smith, R.D, R.N.R., in a form that would appeal to his many friends and acquaintances who wished to have the opportunity of joining in a tribute to his career. Lichfield was the place which fulfilled most of his qualifications required for a monument to this Staffordshire man. The claims of the city were thus set forth — being about half-way between Liverpool and London would be convenient alike to British and American subscribers and its selection would enhance the interest they already feel owing to the beauty of its cathedral and the wealth of its literary and historical associations and situated in the county of the diocese in which the Captain was born.

At a meeting of the Memorial Committee in 1913, it was arranged that Lady Scott, widow of the Antarctic explorer, should be the sculptor of the monument to be erected at Lichfield, that it should take the form of a bronze statue, more than life-size on a pedestal of granite with a suitable inscription.

An interesting and little known account how the memorial came to be, the program on the unveiling, tributes, testimonies, personal messages and a list of subscribers document information on Titanic’s famous captain. Black and white photo of Captain Smith’s daughter unveiling the statue and a formal photo of the statue.

44 pages. Softcover.