A rare Second Class breakfast menu dated April 11th 1912.
This is one of the rarest Titanic menus in existence and one of only a handful of Second Class examples to have survived. It is arguably the finest of its type known.
The menu gives a fascinating snapshot into the variety of food on offer in Second Class, although not as sumptuous as the offerings in First Class. It would have been extremely impressive for Second Class passengers who were used to more modest fare on lesser liners.
The dishes included Yarmouth Bloaters; Grilled Ox Kidneys & Bacon; American Dry Hash Au Gratin; Grilled Sausage; Mashed Potatoes; Vienna & Graham Rolls.
The sender of the card was a member of the crew, second-class saloon steward, Jacob Gibbons, who was born in Charminster, near Dorchester, on October 10th 1875.
When he signed on to the Titanic, he was living at Studland bay, in Dorset.
Jacob was one of the crew members who survived the disaster and was rescued from lifeboat 11. Mr Gibbons claimed to be the oldest surviving member of the crew.
The card is addressed to Miss L. Payne of Studland Bay and the Queenstown postmark is clearly legible April 11th 1912. Jacob’s succinct message on the reverse was almost prophetic. It read: “S.S. Titanic, April 11th 1912. Nearing Queenstown. Good voyage up to now. Kind regards to all. J.W. Gibbons”.
After Mr Gibbons was rescued he managed to send a telegram to his family. His message this time was equally as brief: “Saved, well, Daddy”.
Despite his traumatic experience on the Titanic he crossed the Atlantic again and worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway in Canada. During the First World War he served with the Red Cross in France. Upon his return to England, he established a guesthouse in Dorset.
The menu was offered for sale at auction in 2014 with an estimate of £70000-£80000.