THE WIRELESS OPERATOR OF THE TITANIC

A rectangular cloister, 120 ft square, will be the chief feature of the memorial which is to be provided at Godalming in memory of Mr. John George Phillips, the wireless operator in the Titanic, whose home was at Farncombe, Godalming. The memorial committee includes among its members the Mayor, Alderman E. Bridger (chairman), Mrs. G. F. Watts, Lady Chance, the Hon. Mrs. Arthur Davey, and Mrs. W. E. Horne (wife of Mr. W. Edgar Horne, M.P. for the Guildford Division). Miss Gertrude Jeykll, with whom Mr. Thackeray Turner has collaborated, was invited to submit a scheme for the memorial to be placed on a piece of land, about 1½ acres in extent, abutting on the main Portsmouth Road. In a letter to the committee outlining the scheme Miss Jekyll states:-

''We propose to build on a portion of the ground offered a rectangular cloister of some 120 ft. square with a main entrance from the road. Entering the enclosure there would be a wide paved space with a small square middle garden consisting of beds of dwarf shrubs and flowers with grass between. The central circle could be either a shallow fountain basin or another planted bed. The sides to the right and left would be unbroken cloister. The further side would have the wall not cloistered by arcades to the meadow with a wide central solid panel, where the memorial table would be placed. Seen through the arches the view of the meadow and wooded hillsides beyond would be singularly beautiful. There would be seats under the cloisters, and according to wind and weather there would always be some portion affording comfortable protection. The style of structure that we contemplate is that of the older of the local farm buildings - that have the merit and beauty of a simple aim and the dignity that comes of the use of local material in the excellent traditional way of the country.'' Miss Jekyll concluded by urging that the subscription list should not yet be closed.

The committee have approved the scheme with the addition of a small drinking fountain. About £400 has already been subscribed, and it is expected that a further £200 will be needed. Subscriptions may be sent to Mr. T. P. Whately, town clerk, Godalming.

Editors note: It is pleasing to record that the memorial still stands (with a slight alteration) and is well kept and looked after and a credit to Godalming and is well worth a visit. There is also a memorial plaque in the nearby Farncombe church.