100 Years Ago Today-April 15, 1912-2012

‎100 years ago today, the greatest liner the world has ever seen slipped beneath the waves of the North Atlantic forever. With her went over 1,500 men, women, and children some willingly putting women and children and married women before themselves. The 705 people the boats were picked up by the Carpathia which was captained by Arthur Rostron, a Christian. The first thing they did after getting picked up is have a service of thanks to God for protection. Many on board had become widows that night. For nearly all of them, their lives wouldn't be the same. After leaving the Californian to search for more boats, the Carpathia turned and steamed towards New York. The world wouldn't know what happened until she docked there.

"Sparky"

Arthur Henry Rostron was born on May 14, 1869 in Astley Bridge England. He was educated in the Bolton School from 1882-1883 and Astley Bridge High School before being apprenticed to the clipper, Saxon. There he remained until when he was transferred to the Red Gauntlet as second mate. He then went on a series of ships and was even almost 1st officer on the famed Lusitania but was transferred right before the maiden voyage. After that, he served on the Carpathia. Which went from New York to Fiume, Italy and back again. He did this several times and on the night of April 14, 1912, Rostron was asleep when Harold Cottam, (the wireless operator), opened the door without so much as knocking and awoke Rostron. He explained that the TITANIC was sinking and needed their help. Rostron immediately threw on his coat and ordered that the Carpathia head towards the TITANIC. While dodging icebergs, he said many prayers and ordered the stewards, stewardesses, and doctors to stand by. When the Carpathia got there four hours later, the TITANIC had already gone down and all that was left was lifeboats. He used green rockets to signal the lifeboats and after all the lifeboats were picked up, he returned to New York where he was decorated and was bestowed upon with many honors (His actions earned him the name "Sparky"). Rostron was captain of many ships including the Lusitania and the Maurentania(He took command of the Maurentania 4 times)! He was made Commodor of the Cunard Fleet and made Commander of the the Order of British Empire. He was then made Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He retired on May of 1931 and died in May of 1940. His wife died three years later.