Much has been written about the ship, its passengers and those who survived the disaster. Here, we take a look at some of the facts, as well as the myth and legend surrounding the Titanic:-

Some of the most important ice warnings didn’t reach the Titanic’s bridge on 14 April 1912. Recorded ice warnings were sent through the day from other ships in the vicinity and the officers knew they were approaching a large ice field.

Even though the order had been given that women and children were to be evacuated first, a surprisingly large number of them perished, most being second and third class passengers. Initially, some of the limited lifeboats were leaving the ship only half full.

Captain Edward J Smith was planning to retire in 1911 but White Star Line convinced him to stay and oversee the Titanic’s first transatlantic crossing. Captain Smith had promised his wife Eleanor and daughter Helen that he would retire after Titanic’s first voyage.

Contained within the ship’s cargo hold were three crates of ancient models which passenger Molly Brown had secured for Denver Museum. This shipment is thought to be the source of the story reported by several New York newspapers following the disaster: that the ship’s hold contained an Egyptian mummy whose presence may have cursed the maiden voyage. The story is, of course, completely untrue, as there was no mummy on board.

Over 750 passengers travelled in first class, where tickets cost £525.00 (approximately £34,150.00 today). The most luxurious suites were on “B” deck where tickets cost £945.00 (approximately £61,500.00 today).

Miss Violet Jessop was a crew member on all three White Star Line ships – the Titanic, Olympia and Britannic. All three suffered misfortunes and Miss Jessop survived each time.

The last remaining survivor, Millvina Dean, died on 31 May 2009 in a nursing home in Southampton, aged 97. She was scheduled to board the Adriatic with her parents and brother but the coal strike meant they were transferred to the Titanic as third class passengers. She never married and shunned any attention, only embracing it in later years when she attended events.

Title: Centenary of the Titanic
Date of Issue: 22 February 2012
Country: Alderney
Denominations: 36p, 47p, 48p, 52p, 61p, 65p

Source: http://www.guernseystamps.com

A light emanating from the stable in which Christ was born is depicted on our 36p stamp illustrating the carol ‘Away in a Manger.’ This song was first published within a Lutheran Sunday school book in 1885; the music however was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick a decade later.

A humorous interpretation of the carol entitled ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night’ is shown on our 45p stamp. Interestingly until 1782, this was the only Christmas carol officially sanctioned by the Church of England.

‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ is the carol shown on our 48p stamp, the author of this famous song was Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley the founder of the Methodist church.

‘O’ Holy Night’ has been heralded as among the most beautiful of all Christmas carols and it is this song that is depicted on our 50p stamp. This carol began life as the French poem ‘Minuit, Chrétiens.’

A colourful representation of Bethlehem appears on our 58p stamp to illustrate the famous carol ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ which was written by American clergyman, Philips Brooks following a visit to the town.

A mighty ‘Good King Wenceslas’ appears on our 80p stamp, the final in this issue. This carol emphasizes the virtues of generosity and kindness and is a Christmas favourite even though its lyrics refer to St. Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day.

Title: Christmas Carols 2010 – Alderney
Date of Issue: 4 November 2010
Country: Alderney
Denominations: 31p, 36p, 45p, 48p, 50p, 58p, 80p

Source: www.guernseystamps.com