‘Titanic’ heroics brought back to life
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LAST year marked the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic in what has become the most infamous boat disaster in history.
During the centenary, John Henderson, of Henrietta Street, Wick, told the story of his grandfather who helped rescue many of the passengers from the ill-fated voyage.
His story proved so popular Mr Henderson was inundated by groups in Caithness asking him to give talks and presentations about his grandfather’s role in the rescue.
John Cargill was a quartermaster on the Carpathia which was the first rescue vessel on the scene after Titanic struck an iceberg.
He, along with his crew mates, was awarded a special medal for the part he played in the rescue and Mr Henderson will be proudly showing it during his latest talk at Caithness Heart Support Group at Caithness General Hospital tonight.
Mr Henderson will also be showing the discharge book to prove his grandfather was aboard the Carpathia that rescued survivors that night as well as various other pieces of memorabilia.
He said his grandfather’s story has captured people’s imaginations in Caithness and he is only too proud to accept invitations to speak about Mr Cargill’s heroics.
"I gave a talk to the Wick Heritage Society about my grandfather’s role in the rescue of survivors from the Titanic – it was the first time that I had done that," he said.
"It proved so popular that I was approached by other groups to give talks and the Caithness Heart Support Group approached if I would give a talk to them.
"I will be taking along his medal and collection of memorabilia of his life working in the army and navy as it helps tell his story."
The medal is engraved with images of the Carpathia and the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, and was awarded to him in 1913.
The talk takes place at 7.30pm when Caithness Heart Support Group members and non-members are welcome to attend.
