EHS Titanic

[Major Major]

Foreign Office, London, Thursday, 29 February 1912

Two insignificant mid-level civil servants began a discussion of matters not quite within their pay grade, but that did not hinder them:

“Have you seen this latest minute from the Admiralty? Seems the Germans are sending one of their big ships to the States.”

“Bad show, that. First the Yank president sending his ships around the world and now this. Whatever will they think of us?”

“Whatever the Admiralty can spare, I suppose. Winston will have a bee in his bonnet, that’s for sure.”


Admiralty House, London, Monday, 4 March 1912

ACTION THIS DAY

HMS Invincible is to ready herself for dispatch on a particular service to tour the American ports. F.O. is to arrange diplomatic receptions and prepare speakers to present HMG views on diplomatic situation.


Foreign Office, London, Wednesday, 6 March 1912

“The devil! What does that Winston think he is, Foreign Secretary now? And ‘present HMG views’! Who is going to do that?”

“I know just the man. He got 500£ out of my father-in-law, that tight-fisted old bugger. And I do believe he is even in the Navy, after a fashion.”


London Gazette, Thursday, 14 March 1912

SHACKLETON, Sir Ernest Henry, CVO, has been appointed to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Naval Reserve.


HMS Invincible, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom, Monday, 8 April 1912

The great ship had been repainted in white, and the Admiralty and the Foreign Office were still bickering over who should be responsible for the bill. Her captain, Richard Purefoy, was actually a Rear-Admiral, and he was much annoyed over this and other matters. His successor, Michael Culme-Seymour, was on board as supernumerary. If the South American Squadron could spare any ships, they would join her in America.

Both officers were a little put out that a reservist commander seemed to have more pull.

[sharlin]

Ooh interesting start..what do you have planned for us?

[imperialaquila]

Hmm...a British ship in the North Atlantic...around the time of the sinking of the Titanic...I think I have an inkling of what's planned here. But what after?

[Major Major]

HMS Invincible, North Atlantic Ocean, Sunday 14 April 1912

“If not Captain Scott or this Norwegian Amundsen, as he says, then I will go again for the South Pole, because I believe that it is in man’s nature to explore.”

It was amazing what a week could do. By now, the sceptical Purefoy and the dubious Culme-Seymour had decided that there might be something to this bloke after all. The lower decks certainly were in his pocket, and a whip-round for the costs of his next expedition could easily raise a fair lot.

The officers applauded discreetly and the seamen rather more volubly as the explorer turned to answer the next question. “What about this spat over the other pole?”

Shackleton began discussing the nature of American exploration, as the slide projector cooled. The penguins had been very popular with the men.

Later that evening, in the Mess, Purefoy met with his passenger. “There’s reports of ice too far south. I rather think you have seen more of such than I. Should we slow down? The wireless office is monitoring the liners and they seem to be going all out.”

“I would slow down myself. Getting one of HM ships bashed open by a berg does not seem proper. I presume you have doubled the lookouts?”

If he hadn’t, Purefoy would, and the conversation turned to what they could expect in America. Shackleton seemed to be resigned to a meeting with the American Commander Peary.


“Sir Ernest, sir, the Commander wants to speak with you.”

A respectful, but urgent, Royal Marine private was awakening the guest. Shackleton groaned, yawned, and swung upright, blinking in the sudden electric light. He had turned in early, and it was not quite midnight. Sighing, he heaved himself to his feet and began to dress.

The bridge of the Invincible was quiet. In the cold, moonless night, the sea seemed to merge into the sky. Small points of light shattered the vision, and in them, the executive officer of the battlecruiser had a message to hand the passenger.

CQD CQD CQD CQD CQD CQD DE MGY MGY MGY MGY MGY MGY 41 44 N 50 24 W

“MGY?” Shackleton said, bewildered at the distress call. Come Quickly Danger This Is MGY. Who was MGY?

“That new ship, the big one. The Titanic.”

[King Augeas]

I like your timelines, "Entering the Rhineland" was a great one.

[Richter10]

Originally Posted by Major Major

HMS Invincible, North Atlantic Ocean, Sunday 14 April 1912

(...)

“MGY?” Shackleton said, bewildered at the distress call. Come Quickly Danger This Is MGY. Who was MGY?

“That new ship, the big one. The Titanic.”

Interesting idea: Titanic sinking but (I assume) with far more people saved due the presence of HMS Invincible near.

I like that you use Shackleton on your POD (There is a quote that goes: "Scott for scientific method, Amundsen for speed and efficiency but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton!" )

[oldironside]

An intruiging start. I look forward to the updates.

[NHBL]

This looks good. Why paint "Invincible" in white, though?

[sharlin]

British ships on colonial overseas duties were often painted white, also it looks very smart.

[David S Poepoe]

Originally Posted by sharlin

British ships on colonial overseas duties were often painted white, also it looks very smart.

Even in 1912? I had thought the Royal Navy was pretty much sticking to grey for the capital ships at the time. One of the battlecruisers was dispatched to the US for some naval event, the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the finding of the Hudson River or something, can't remember, and it was not repainted.

[Torqumada]

Originally Posted by David S Poepoe

Even in 1912? I had thought the Royal Navy was pretty much sticking to grey for the capital ships at the time. One of the battlecruisers was dispatched to the US for some naval event, the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the finding of the Hudson River or something, can't remember, and it was not repainted.

I think you missed the word "colonial" there.

Torqumada

[sharlin]

This is Churchill who ordered it and was probably prompted by Fisher, you're right of course, the grey had replaced the victorian livery long ago but a big white ship makes a fine impression. If memory serves even the Vanguard was repainted to white when she was the floating home of the Royal family on their post war cruise.

[Major Major]

Originally Posted by NHBL

This looks good. Why paint "Invincible" in white, though?

Following the precedent of the Great White Fleet -- this is a friendly voyage, not an aggressive (at least they hope it isn't aggressive) one.

[David S Poepoe]

Originally Posted by Major Major

Following the precedent of the Great White Fleet -- this is a friendly voyage, not an aggressive (at least they hope it isn't aggressive) one.

Which may have been following the example of HMS Renown which was painted white to serve as royal yacht which took the future King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1902-1903.

[juanml82]

I've never expected to read people making informed arguments about something as detailed as the colours the RN painted their ships a hundred years ago

[Dathi THorfinnsson]

Originally Posted by juanml82

I've never expected to read people making informed arguments about something as detailed as the colours the RN painted their ships a hundred years ago

Bah! In es geloybte aretz, we got into bantu grammar. I love this place. I really, really love this place.

Its amazing what people know, and how much you can learn.

[Major Major]

HMS Invincible, North Atlantic Ocean, Monday 15 April 1912

“Close all watertight doors and hatches.”
“All medical staff to sick bay.”
“Stores officer to break out extra clothing and blankets.”

Captain Culme-Seymour had taken charge, as Purefoy had assumed the admiral’s rank. And Shackleton was pacing back and forth, trying to prepare himself. The Invincible might hit a berg herself. He would not have gone so fast.

The signals officer handed Culme-Seymour a signal. “They have a corrected position.”

COME AT ONCE WE HAVE STRUCK A BERG
IT’S A CQD OM POSITION 41 46 N 50 14 W

“They added, ‘Come quick.’”

“We can reach that position within the hour. Signal that.”

There was the crackling of Morse and then: “They say:

WE HAVE COLLISION WITH ICEBERG SINKING COME QUICKLY

Shackleton came to a conclusion. “Sir, can we come alongside? It will be quicker than using the boats.”

The captains looked at him strangely. “How many gangways can we prepare?” Culme-Seymour said after a moment. “If they are sinking so fast we . . .” he stopped and sighed. “Number one, prepare gangways. Whatever you can. Sir Ernest, if you will supervise?”

He found himself on the deck, trying to make whatever he could. They were fetching up lumber from below and he had to stop some of the men from tearing up the teak deck and using that. The work continued under the light from opened hatches.

After a eternity there was a call from up above. “They are firing rockets!”

After that everyone kept an eye out for the sign. And sure enough, within five minutes, there was a streak and flash of light that seemed to indicate a shape on the horizon. The work then sped up.

[euromellows]

Intriguing timeline! Subscribed.

[Major Major]

RMS Titanic, North Atlantic Ocean, Monday 15 April 1912

The great white shape of the warship loomed out of the darkness. On the bridge of the sinking ship the officers felt a certain relief. There was aid. The messenger from the wireless shack came up and handed a note to the captain.

“Will take off passengers and crew.” Captain Smith read, then he looked up and around. “Have them lower all the boats on the starboard side, take them around and try to load from port. If he comes alongside perhaps he can take on people directly.”

The Invincible came alongside the sinking liner. In the cold silence a voice could be distinctly heard shouting over a megaphone. “Step back, let us lower the planks!”

There was a sursurrus of relief. She was a big ship, much safer than the little boats. And Mr Lightoller had ordered all the boats on that side lowered and rowed around. The sailors on the ship began to push out long boarding gangways.

“Clear off, clear off, just a minute!” the man cried from the ship, and when the first gangway touched the deck of the Titanic Mr Lightoller had the crew secure it. A man dashed across the short distance and said, “Are you in charge?”

“Second Officer Lightoller.”

“Good, have the passengers form up and board. Ladies, everything will be all right, come on board carefully. There, they’re lowering the second gangway. There will be enough for all! Here, calm down . . .”

A handful of sailors and Marines from the warship had followed the naval officer, and began to form the women into some sort of queue to board the Invincible. The commander began to press through the crowd, saying, “Excuse me, let me by, I have to speak to the other officers . . .”

Lightoller paused between reassuring a frightened older woman that everything would be all right and doing so for a younger one. “Who the devil is that?” he asked one of the other men who had come on board.

The Marine who was checking the lashings — they didn’t trust merchant seamen, never mind the naval sorts — stopped and looked up. “You don’t know? That’s Shackleton.”

Lightoller made a face. “Come along, now, everything’ll be all right.” The woman had a crying child in her arms.

On the port side First Officer Murdoch was organising the loading of the boats when he was interrupted. “Those who can’t get into the boats can board the Invincible after the women have been embarked. How many are off?”

[trekchu]

Butterflies alone will produce a most delish ATL.