Californian page 2

Californian page 2 by ric gustafson

In the wireless room of the SS Californian, Cyril Evans was busy working on new equipment. The 20 year old was enjoying the new technology he first saw at the Marconi school in London. Cyril quickly learned the dash dot of Morse code. Cyril was happy to be stationed on the Californian. He could play around with the new wireless set.

It took a while for Captain Lord to get used to Cyril and the new technology. The wireless room became Cyril's sleeping quarters. Seven days a week from 7 am until 11 at night, Cyril did his job. On board, Cyril did become friends with two of the officers. One was Third Officer Charlie Groves. The other was Apprentice Officer Jimmy Gibson. 

All was quiet the evening of Sunday April 14 1912. Right before 10:15 pm, Cyril heard ice crunching the hull of the ship. Then the ship stopped. 

Captain Lord walked in. " We have run into some field ice". His voice hesitated. " We have stopped for the night".

" Ok Sir".

" Our position". He put a piece of paper on the desk. " Use your new equipment and let nearby ships know".

" Yes Sir". Cyril sat down and put on his headphones.

Young Titanic survivors

John Borland Thayer III was born on December 24 1894. His parents were John B Thayer and Marian Thayer. Jack's father was a vice president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Jack's mother was a Philadelphia socialite.

Jack and a friend he had met on board tried to jump off the side of the ship after the sinking. Jack jumped off into the freezing water. Jack was able to get on Collapsible B. His new friend did not. Jack's lifeboat became part of Lifeboat 12. Jack's mother was in Lifeboat 4. Jack's father did not survive.

In 1917, Jack married Lois Cassatt. Jack served in World War I. In 1939, Jack became treasurer at the University of Pennsylvania. Jack Thayer died on September 20 1945.

research help: ' The Midnight Watch' by David Dyer

Peace and God's blessings Love Ric