The Titanic, it may have sunk on the 14th April 1912, however, this majestic ship still enthrals and captivates people’s imaginations. But how much do you know about the Titanic? We go through ten facts you may, or may not know about the R.M.S. Titanic.
1. The Titanic was a Royal Mail Steamship
Everyone is familiar with the name Titanic, however, her full title is the R.M.S Titanic. R.M.S being the designation for Royal Mail Steamship. This meant the Titanic was responsible for delivering mail from the UK postal service. In this case, the Titanic was carrying mail destined for the USA and Canada. The Titanic actually carried five mail clerks on board, all of them being responsible for seven million different pieces of mail.
2. There was actually a Lifeboat Drill scheduled
It is now a legal obligation for all vessels to conduct drills before even departing from their berth. In 1912, there was no such requirement to even hold a drill at sea. The Captain had scheduled a lifeboat drill, on the exact day the Titanic struck the iceberg, but later cancelled it. The reason for the drill cancellation, to this day, still remains unknown.
3. The SOLAS Convention was born from the Titanic Tragedy
The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was founded after the tragedy, addressing the number of lifeboats and other life-saving appliances required by a ship.
4. Two dogs were recovered by the Carpathia
When the order for women and children came to board the lifeboats, two dogs also found their way on board. They were a Pomeranian and a Pekinese.
5. The fourth smoke stack was just for show
When the Titanic was designed, it was considered more aesthetically pleasing and to give the vision of strength to have an additional funnel. The fourth (aft) stack was actually just for the look of the ship.
6. Not all bodies of the victims were brought back to shore
Some people were known to have gone down with the ship, like her Captain. Rescue vessels did collect 328 bodies, however, 119 were buried at sea.
7. The Titanic only had two bathtubs on board
Steerage or third class had two bathtubs between 700 passengers. Only the two promenade suites in first class had their own private bathroom.
8. The Titanic had her own newspaper
As well as a Gym complete with horse riding exercise machine, promenade walks and swimming baths, the Titanic had her own newspaper, called the Atlantic Daily Bulletin.
9. Not all the passengers were British, Irish or American
One Japanese survivor was considered a coward when he returned to Japan, as he had survived the tragedy.
10. Alcohol saved one man’s life
The Chief Baker was said to have survived 2 hours in the water, all due to the amount of alcohol he consumed, keeping his vital organs warmed up!