Titanic Historical Society Commutator 241
THS Commutator No. 241, Spring 2nd Quarter, April to June 2023
Contents
Letters From George Thomas Rowe to Ed Kamuda
The letters in this article are but three of many pieces of correspondence written by George Thomas Rowe, (March 20, 1881 – February 14, 1974) to Ed Kamuda. Rowe was a Quartermaster on Titanic. The letters describe the rockets fired and a light on the horizon as Titanic was sinking.
The Escape of Charles W. Allen from the Wreck of the White Star Steamer Atlantic
This account is unique because not only was it was written shortly after the disaster when recollections are clearest much like Lawrence Beesley’s harrowing experiences about Titanic but also because it came from a primary source. Mr. Charles Allen’s personal narrative written shortly after his return to London was obtained by Mr. Peter Newman from the UK. Newman was a distant relative of the
Atlantic survivor and wrote to the THS in 1981.
Baltic II, Captain E.J. Smith and Fake News Vintage Vignettes
Harriet Quimby: Another Titanic Victim
Harriet Quimby: Another Titanic Victim History’s sense of timing can sometimes be cruel. Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh are familiar names but Harriet Quimby, except for history of flight aficionados, is mostly unknown. Harriet, born in Arcadia Township Michigan on May 11, 1875, she became the first woman to pilot a plane over the English Channel, using nothing but a compass tucked
between her knees to guide her way in the heavy fog; it’s amazing that she made it across. This outstanding accomplishment should have made her a household name with guaranteed press and praise from around the world. It was not normal circumstances. Harriet’s flight took place on Tuesday morning, April 16, 1912.
By Rick Sundin
The Formation Of J. P. Morgan’s IMMC Didn’t Appear to Be Much of a Secret Vintage Vignettes
The Ice Titanic Encountered Massive Ice Fields in the Atlantic: Ocean Liners Smash into Vast Ice Field
New York, April 15. A great ice field in which there are many bergs, some of them mountainlike in size, and are in which three ocean steamships are known to have damaged, and at
least one full-rigged ship and one fishing smack are imprisoned, has drifted into westbound
transatlantic track about 1000 miles east of Sandy Hook.
Springfield (Mass.) Daily News April 15, 1912.
Olympic Experiences a Violent Tremor Vintage Vignettes
Reminiscences of Transatlantic Travellers
Excerpts from Mr. Spedding’s book published in 1926. Beginning as an apprentice in sailing vessels to working his way up to Chief Purser in the Aquitania and many Cunard liners, meeting interesting personalities from government officials, explorers, celebrities, etc., traveling to various countries his ships took him––some of his personal experiences including his observation of the Titanic disaster.
By Charles T. Spedding
Sinking of HMS Audacious Denied By Dr. Beaumont (Why?) Vintage Vignettes
Select Merchandise in the Titanic Museum Store
Map of locations of Titanic Museum and Titanic Centennial Garden and Walkway in Oak Grove Cemetery
Covers:
Front: Titanic Quartermaster George Thomas Rowe’s letters to Ed Kamuda describing the night of April 14-15 1912.
Back: Letter and envelope to Ed Kamuda from George T. Rowe. (Kamuda collection>
