The new series reminds me that one myth that is always shown is that somehow third class passengers were discriminated against; and that is why the majority of those saved were from first class. Well no, (the majority saved were from second class) but why let the truth get in the way. The extract below is from the Official Transcript of the 1912 Senate Investigation.
The US enquiry heard evidence from 3rd class passenger Bert Pickard (32). Mr Pickard states:-
The steerage passengers so far as I could see, were not prevented from getting up to the upper decks by anybody, or by closed doors or anything else.
Another myth concerns the conduct of the crew. However the engineers on the ship stayed at post until the end although many could have saved themselves. As a result of their bravery the insignia for merchant navy insignia was changed by George V to add a purple background. It is disparaging to some very brave men to say they were ill prepared.
Contributor: Morag Irving BA (OPEN)., Dip.Lit. e-mail: moragirvinguk@aol.com Tel:01733 345581
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