Collector Robert’s looking forward to Titanic centenary events

And one man who will be following events closely is Robert McAuley of Drumahiskey Road near Bendooragh.

That’s because Robert has a fascinating collection of Titanic memorabilia which captures the stories of the Belfast-built ship.

One of Robert’s prized possessions is a letter written by Bruce Ismay, who was Company Director of the White Star Line which operated Titanic.

He also has a photo of Ismay, signed by one of the Titanic survivors, Eva Hart.

Robert was keen to come to the aid of Ismay who has been depicted in many early Titanic films as escaping from the sinking ship dressed as a woman.

“This was a complete fabrication,” stresses Robert.

Robert also has a signed photo of Milvina Dean, who was the last survivor of the Titanic when she died in 2009 at the grand old age of 97.

Furthermore, Robert has First Day Covers signed by other Titanic survivors of that fateful day back in 1912.

He also has a framed letter written by Baptist pastor John Harper from Scotland who gave away his life jacket to another man as the sea lapped around him he was seen preaching and quoting scripture warning people to take Jesus as their Saviour.

Pastor Harper died that night along with 1,500 other souls, said Robert.