Titanic 2015: Jack Phillips by ric Gustafson
John George Phillips was born on April 11 1887 in Farncombe Surrey. The Phillips family was typical of local tradespeople. Jack's father and mother managed a drapery shop called Gammons. Jack as he was called by everyone attended Farncombe School and then Godalming Grammar School. After school, he became a telegraphist for the Godalming Post Office.
In March 1906, he enrolled at the Marconi training school in Liverpool. Phillips spent six months at the school studying the theory and practice of wireless, electricity, magnetism and telegraphy. He also studied how to use and repair various kinds of equipment. In 1906, he spent two years at sea. In 1908, he was transferred to a Marconi station on the west coast of Ireland.
In 1911, he was told that he was to become the senior wireless operator on a brand new ship called the Titanic. In April of 1912 as the ship went on it's sea trials, Phillips and junior officer Harold Bride worked hard to get the new wireless operational. The Marconi setup was powerful with a 400 mile daytime range and an antenna that ran for three quarters of the ship.
As the voyage started, they were swamped by messages from passengers eager to try out the system. Phillips and Bride staggered their shifts so someone was always on duty. On the afternoon of April 12, the first ice warning came in from the French liner La Touraine. On Sunday April 14, a total of seven ice warnings were received. Some of these warnings never made it back to the bridge.
The heroism of Phillips was brought to life by the testimony of Harold Bride. Phillips sent a distress call by CQD and then by the new SOS. After Captain Smith released them from their duty, Phillips continued to try to contact a ship for help.
Because of Harold Bride, Jack Phillips was hailed as a hero.
research help: ' Titanic, A Night Remembered' by Stephanie Barczewski
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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