Titanic had strong links with Liverpool because many of her officers, crew, passengers, White Star employees and suppliers had connections with the city. Some would play key roles in the ship's tragic history and bear witness to the events of 15 April 1912 when the most famous ship in history met her end.
Captain Smith lived at 17 Marine Crescent, Waterloo between 1891-1907. It was here in May 1903 that Captain Smith made his will, leaving everything to his wife. The house is just yards away from 13 Beach Lawn, the boyhood home of his employer J Bruce Ismay.
Most of Titanic's crew from the Liverpool area were lost during the sinking. They included Chief Engineer Joseph Bell and others from the engine rooms and stoke-holds, who died trying to keep the Titanic afloat and illuminated for as long as possible. There is a plaque dedicated to the memory of Joseph Bell at St Faith's Church, Great Crosby (left).
Titanic's musicians were recruited by music agents C.W. and F.N. Black of 14 Castle Street, Liverpool. The eight musicians in Titanic's band continued on playing until she sank. They did this to try and help everyone on board stay as calm as possible, despite the horrors facing them. None of the musicians survived. This act of heroism is one of the most powerful and lasting memories of the disaster. A memorial plaque dedicated to the Titanic bandsmen can be seen at The Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool (left).
Captain Arthur Henry Rostron of the Cunard liner Carpathia, lived in Crosby, Liverpool. He was one of the main heroes of the Titanic disaster and showed great skill and courage in moving his ship so quickly through the vast ice-fields to rescue the survivors.
Titanic - History . net (Andre Price Titanic Historian & Lecturer)