Commutator No. 224, Winter 4th Quarter
Membership Year 2018

CONTENTS

Titanic Historical Society 55th Anniversary Convention
Fort William Henry Hotel, Lake George, New York
The THS convention at the Ft. William Henry Hotel, was inspired.  Located in the idyllic setting of the Adirondack mountains and Lake George, originally named Lac du St. Sacrement by French Jesuit missionaries in 1646.  During the French and Indian War of 1754-1763 between the French and the English, and during the construction of Fort William Henry in 1755, (its reproduction is next to the hotel) the British General Sir William Johnson named the lake Lake George to honor his king, King George IL.
Throughout the weekend the weather was perfect, sunny in the 80’s.  September in upstate New York sometimes can be “iffy”.  Teh steamship cruise/luncheon on the lake was a highlight.  The speakers and programs were outstanding and varied.  Three special dinners, BBQ Buffet, Salute to the THS Members and The Gala Banquet provided by the hotel staff was exceptional.  We hope the story within these pages brings back many warm memories and an invitation to those who couldn’t come to join us next time.
By Karen Kamuda
Page 160

Ferrying Canadian Troops: Olympic in the First World War (Part 2)
In the life of Olympic, the time she spent ferrying Canadian troops during the First World War is a frequently overlooked part of her career.  Olympic was cheered enthusiastically by Canadian troops who sailed aboard her, nicknaming her Old Reliable, praised for services rendered to other ships and honoured for her own success in attacking an enemy submarine.  Carrying more Canadian soldiers than any other vessel, Olympic was an important part of Canada’s war effort.
Accommodating close to 6,000 soldiers at a time, Olympic made ten round trips from Liverpool to Halifax between March and December 1916.  On return voyages, she carried the wounded, civilians, Canadian and American troops across the Atlantic.
Most information on Olympic’s war service is from the memoirs of Captain Sir Bertram Hayes.  The first-hand information provides interesting details of the experiences of sailing on the vessel, life on board, embarkation and disembarkation, supplying and handling of this large ship in frequently hazardous circumstances and the danger from submarines.
By David R. Gray
Page 178

Sea Poste: THS members’ correspondence about the convention.  Searching for information on William Murdoch; a box to identify; information on a 1912 movie advertisement
Page 188

Titanic:  She Sailed Only Half Full?
Using the best documentation we have today thanks to international researchers, it appears she sailed with 53 percent of her passenger accommodation occupied.
By Mark Chirnside
Page 192

Titanic Style
In an exclusive interview for the Titanic Historical Society, journalist Helene Drouais talked to Randy Bryan Bigham, THS member and biographer of Lady Duff Gordon, about his collection of the famous designer’s work, displayed for the first time at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson and Pigeon Forge.
By Helene Drouais with Randy B. Bigham
Page 194