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Survivors of the Titanic | Survivors from the famous shipwreck tell their stories

About this collection

At 11.40pm on 14 April, 1912, the famously 'unsinkable' ocean liner, Titanic, struck an iceberg. Two hours and 40 minutes later she sank deep into the freezing Atlantic waters. Less than a third of the people on board survived.

Over the years, the BBC has heard from some of the men and women who lived through that 'night to remember'. Their memories, and internal BBC documents about the controversies that followed, are now gathered together to tell the true story of the disaster.

Hear the survivors describe a night they could never forget.

Survivors of the Titanic Collection

Archive document asking for brandy to made available for nervous radio guests.

Internal memo calling for brandy for nervous guests

WRITTEN 1938
1 PAGE

Dutch courage is required for radio interviewees.

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A letter about the proposed dramatisation of the Titanic disaster.

'Sensations': Could the play be re-written?

WRITTEN 1947
1 PAGE

The Head of Features asks if the play could be re-written as a documentary.

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A telegram from the Northern Irish PM to the BBC.

'Sensations': Telegram from Northern Ireland PM

WRITTEN 1947
1 PAGE

The government of Northern Ireland urges for the broadcast to be stopped.

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A letter questioning the broadcast of a controversial play.

'Sensations': BBC Northern Ireland Director expresses his disapproval of the play.

WRITTEN 1947
1 PAGE

Concerns that this play could damage the BBC's relationships in Northern Ireland.

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A memo about the broadcast of a controversial play.

'Sensations': Internal Memo re: government pressure to stop broadcast

WRITTEN 1947
1 PAGE

A chance meeting in a gentlemen's club brings the controversy to an end.

go to 'Sensations': Internal Memo re: government pressure to stop broadcast
A document summarising the controversy over a play about the Titanic.

Sensation: Note for file re Titanic programme

WRITTEN 1947
2 PAGES

A summary of the brewing controversy.

go to Sensation: Note for file re Titanic programme

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