Titanic Survivor Ernest Frederick Allen, Crew Member

Another Titanic survivors story directly from someone who experienced the event.

My name is Deidre (Dee) MacQueen and I live in Dorset, England. By chance I came across Titanic Universe, and the webmaster has invited me to share my story.

Titanic Survivor Ernest Fredrick Allen
Ernest Fredrick Allen in his elderly years

My Grandfather was Ernest Frederick Allen, born in London on 10th March 1888. Depending on what article you read it could have been 10th February 1888.  He lived in Southampton and was 24 yrs old when, on the 6th April 1912, he signed on with the Titanic, along with his brother (my Uncle) Frederick Allen, he was 17 yrs old.  Frederick was employed as a lift steward.  Sadly he went down with the Titanic.  My Great Grandmother received £20 grant for the death of her son, from the Titanic relief fund, number 279.  Ernest also served on the Titanic’s sister ship the Olympic.  Ernest was employed on the Titanic as a Trimmer.  His job was to ensure the coal he gave to the stokers came from the correct place, making sure the balance of the ship was maintained.  His pay was £5.10 shillings a month.  As we all know 6 days later the Titanic was hit by an iceberg.  Ernest managed to get on collapsible boat B, which was upside down.  They were rescued by boats 4 and 12, crew were taken on board by both boats, but no names were taken. They were then picked up by the Carpathia, where they disembarked in New York on 18th April 1912.  Ernest returned and spent most of his life in Southampton.  Grandfather Ernest died on 27th December 1968, he was 80 years old.

I am very grateful that I have been given the chance to share my story, thank you very much.

Kind regards,

Dee