Mr Benjamin Guggenheim

Photo: Daily Mirror, April 16, 1912, p.9

Mr Benjamin Guggenheim, 46, of New York, NY boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg with his valet Mr Victor Giglio and his "mistress" Mrs Aubart. Guggenheim and Giglio's ticket was 17593 and cost £79 4s (1). Mr Guggenheim's chauffeur Mr René Pernot travelled in second class.

After the collision Bedroom Steward Henry Samuel Etches helped Mr Guggenheim to fit his lifebelt. Ignoring his protestations; "This will hurt", Etches finally managed to get the mining and smelting tycoon into the lifebelt, he then made him put on a thick sweater and sent him up to the Boat Deck. Despite Etches best efforts Guggenheim soon returned to his room (B-84) and changed into his finest evening wear, his valet, Mr Giglio did likewise. He was later heard to remark 'We've dressed up in our best and are prepared to go down like gentlemen.'

One of his final acts was to write the following message: 'If anything should happen to me, tell my wife I've done my best in doing my duty.'

Mr Guggenheim, Mr Giglio and Mr Pernot were all lost in the sinking.

Notes
Other sources give the price as £56 18s 7d.

Travelling Companions (on same ticket)
Mr Victor Giglio

Travelling Companions
Mme. Léontine Pauline Aubart Mistress