Titanic centenary – a sacrifice remembered

 

One hundred years

after the tragic sinking of the Titanic, Godalming will remember the sacrifice of the local man who played a key role in rescue attempts.

Jack Phillips, the Chief Telegraphic Officer who stayed at his post sending out SOS signals after being told to abandon ship, was born in Farncombe, went to Godalming Grammar School and worked at Godalming Post Office.

His memorial close to Godalming Parish church was designed by Thackeray Turner, in grounds designed by Gertrude Jekyll, and is the largest memorial to a single person lost on the ship.

A century after the boat’s sinking - just four days after Jack’s 25th birthday - Godalming Parish Church will hold an overnight vigil remembering the 1,500 lives lost and the bravery of the town’s son.

On April 15 a short service will be held at the Phillips’ family grave followed by a second larger service at Jack Phillips’ newly-renovated memorial before a Titanic peal is rung from the tower.

'devotion to duty'

Other events will include a free exhibition at Godalming Museum (open until 12 May), talks by renowned Titanic experts, a film night with newsreel shots of the opening of the memorial in 1914 and an Edwardian First Class seven course meal evoking the last dinner aboard the liner.

Godalming team rector, the Revd Canon Mervyn Roberts, said: “Jack, who as a boy sang in the choir of St John’s Church, Farncombe, stayed at his post, sending out the distress calls, advising on the latest position of the Titanic and convincing other ships to assist.

“It was as a consequence of this devotion to duty that Jack Phillips lost his life and saved others.

“On the night of the vigil (14 April) we will remember those who were lost, each one of them with their own incredible story, and we will give thanks for the life of Jack Phillips, for his commitment to faith and to people, and remember the sacrifice he made.”

For further information see www.waverley.gov.uk/titanic

Picture courtesty of Godalming Museum/ Godalming Town Council Collection