Coal, Edgar Evans, Death Certificates and a Titanic Connection
Yesterday I wrote about the Swansea people on board the Titantic and new evidence of how the Titanic did sink on that April 1912. The Titantic was powered by coal primarily dug from coal mines of South Wales.
Todays blog will be about coal also during 1911/12.
During the early years of 1900, places around the world was still be discovered. One of the places was the Antarctic, which was still was a land of mystery.
One of the earliest men was Captain Scott
During 1901/04 on his Discovery Expedition which was the first expedition since Jame Clark Ross expedition made 60 years prior. Scientific research and geographical explorations were carried out.
We now moved on 1910/13, when Captain Scott led his ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition. It is interesting to point at the point that all expedition are named after the ships that was used. The Terra Nova, before leaving the the UK, came to Cardiff where she was picked up the famous Welsh coal. Coal that was scavenged from the Titanic site has valued around £30,0000
Anyone on of those on board with Captain Scott, was Edgar Evans
The group of 5 men, Dr Wilson, Edgar Evans, Captain Scott, Lawrence Oates and Henry Bowers were thwarted when Roald Amunsden reached the South Pole a month before them of January 1912.
Sadly all of the five died on the return journey from the South Pole, the first being Edgar Evans to die, 17th February 1912. Now you would think that without a body a death certificated couldn't be issued.
When researching for an article that I wrote in September 1912, in the Bay magazine. I was surprised that I was able to apply and receive a death certificate. Unlike normal certificates his is a Royal Navy one.
What information is provided on it.
Name of Ship – In our example, Terra Nova. Her home port was Cardiff. She set sail on 15th June 1910 for the Antarctic and returning to Cardiff on 13th June 1913
Official Number – 89090, Terra Nova’ number
Date of Death – 7th February 1912
Place of Death – Antarctic
Name and Surname of Deceased – Edgar Evans
Age – 38
Rank, Profession or Occupation – Petty Officer, Royal Navy (160225)/Able Seaman
Last Place of Abode – Portsmouth and also Pitton, Glam
Cause of Death – Concussion of Brain. Without an actual body present the cause of death was recorded by Captain Scott in his journals. Also according to his journals, Evans had died at 12.30am and very quietly
There is a mistake on it, can anyone spot it.
Apart from the Welsh coal used to sail both Titanic and Terra Nova, what is the other connection.
Captain Scott's wife, Kathleen Scott was a sculptor and one of her works was on Captain Smith, captain of the Titanic.