Robert Oliver Cuthbert family mystery

[Beverley Myers]

My mother always told me that her Uncle Oliver ( Robert Oliver Cuthbert) had been a purser on board the Carpathia when it went to rescue Titanic victims. He received a medal and this was later lost during the second world war when the hotel where he left his belongings was bombed. Oliver later became chief purser on the Queen Mary 1. I have searched this excellent website and found information on the medals and also the Carpathia crew list but alas no Uncle Oliver. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would love to be able to prove the connection. Many thanks.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

For whatever it may be worth, the only purser noted on the Carpathia crew list is a Mr Ernest G. F. Brown. I don't know if this list is all inclusive however.

 

[Bob Godfrey]

There was also an Assistant Purser. His name was Percy Barnett.

 

[Bob Godfrey]

Beverley, at Ellis Island in the period 1917-24 records were kept of the crew lists for passenger liners arriving at New York. There are a lot of entries for a Robert O Cuthbert. He served in various ships, including the White Star liner Olympic, and as far as I can see he always signed on as a steward. In several entries he is listed specifically as an assistant waiter.

 

[Beverley Myers]

That is really interesting Bob. I wonder if the story of him being on the Carpathia was just made up....what a pity. Yes, my mother thinks he was on the Olympic and he did sail in and out of New York. I was on holiday in New York last month but I did'nt visit Ellis Island because I did not think I had anyone to research! Many thanks for your interest.