Sunkin Ships

Cobh was our next visit. Cobh figures prominently in two 20th century shipping disasters. It was the last port of call for the HMS Titanic and was at the center of rescue efforts when the Lusitania was sunk by German torpedoes. From 1849 until 1920, Cobh was known as Queensland. The name was changed to Cobh after Irish independence. 

One hundred and 23 passengers boarded the Titanic at Queensland (Cobh) on 11 April 1912. Forty-four would survive the sinking. While in Cobh, we visited the Titanic Museum which is located in the historic White Star Line building. It wasn't as impressive as the museum in Belfast, but was worth the visit. At the east end of town, there is a Titanic Memorial Garden. It is nicely done. It honors the passengers who embarked from Cobh. There is also a memorial stone to Bruce Ismay, the chairman of the White Star Line. Ismay survived the sinking of the Titanic, but was severely criticized in the aftermath.

L u s i t a n i a
On May 7, 1915, the Lusitania, a luxurious British ocean liner with 1620 passengers on board, was sunk by a German U2 boat. The ship sank in 300 feet of water. A flotilla of rescue boats was launched and 761 soles were saved. Most of the passengers that lost their lives were never recovered. Survivors were taken to Queensland (Cobh). Some of the dead are buried in Cobh. There are several memorials to the survivors in Cobh.   Among the losses were 128 out of 156 US citizens on board.  

In memory of all who perished

Lusitania CommorativeTiles

The sinking of the Lusitania caused widespread outrage, especially in the US, and became a rallying cry in World War I propaganda that fueled anti-German sentiment and contributed to the US eventually entering the war.