Who was Ada Maria Clarke?

Mrs Ada Maria Clarke was a 28-year-old English woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. She boarded the ship as a second-class passenger with her husband Charles Valentine Clarke, who tragically perished in the disaster. Ada’s remarkable story of survival and her poignant recollections of that fateful night provide a deeply personal account of one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies.

Early Life and Family

Ada Maria Clarke was born Ada Maria Winfield on December 14, 1883, in Netley, near Southampton, Hampshire, England. She was the daughter of Menel John Winfield (1852-1932) and Maria Gallon (1855-1943). Ada grew up in a large family, being the middle child of five daughters:

Mary Ann (b. 1879)
Margaret Elizabeth (b. 1881)
Ada Maria (b. 1883)
Martha (b. 1885)
May (b. 1888, later Mrs Henry S. West)

Early Career and Marriage

As a young woman, Ada worked as a servant, specifically as a kitchen maid at Rownhams House in Rownhams, Hampshire. This early employment gave her experience in domestic service, a common occupation for young women of her time.

On June 29, 1908, at the age of 24, Ada married Charles Valentine Clarke, a dairyman from Cosham, Hampshire. The couple settled into married life and by 1911 were living at Sea View on Solent Road, Drayton, Hampshire. They did not have any children during their four years of marriage.

The Titanic Journey

Why were Ada and Charles on the Titanic?

Ada and her husband Charles boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, as second-class passengers. Their ticket (number 2003) cost £26, a significant sum at the time. The Clarkes were embarking on what was meant to be a life-changing journey, with plans to settle in San Francisco, California. Ada had a sister living at 142 Ox Point, Richmond, California, which likely influenced their decision to emigrate.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Ada experienced the horror of the Titanic’s sinking firsthand. She was fortunate to escape in lifeboat 14, but her husband Charles was among the many men who went down with the ship. In her emotional recounting of the events, Ada painted a vivid picture of the chaos and bravery witnessed during those terrifying hours.

Ada’s Survival Account

After her rescue, Ada gave a heart-wrenching interview to the New York Press, providing a detailed account of her experiences:

“I was in one of the three boats lashed together,” said Mrs Clarke, “when one of the officers unlashed one of them and taking all but two of the seamen, rowed off to rescue another boat, which was crowded to the sinking point. ‘Be brave women,’ the officer said, as they rowed away. And they were brave. The women and the two men manned the oars until we were rescued later. How long, I don’t know, but it seemed many hours.”

Ada’s testimony highlighted the bravery of both passengers and crew:

“The women wouldn’t leave the men on the ship until we were forced to. We shouldn’t have gone unless they made us. Ah, the men were brave; they were splendid; and so were the women. We were in the last boat, I think; anyway, it was boat No. 14, I’m sure it was the last boat launched. I saw the ship sink slowly. No, I heard no pistol shots.”

Perhaps most poignantly, Ada recounted her last sight of her husband:

“He made me leave him,” she said brokenly. “I shouldn’t have done so otherwise. Oh, they were brave and splendid all the men. They died like brave men. And there floated out across the water the strains of ‘Nearer my God, to Thee.’ I could hear it and saw the bandsmen kneeling too.”

Life After the Titanic

Return to England

Unlike many survivors who continued to their intended destinations, Ada, now widowed, chose to return to England. She sailed back on the Celtic, arriving on April 25, 1912. The day after her return, a memorial service was held for her late husband in Cosham, highlighting the impact of the tragedy on their community.

Remembering Charles

Ada never remarried and dedicated much of her life to preserving the memory of her late husband. In 1913, she arranged for a brass plate to be placed on the north wall of St Peter and Paul’s Church in memory of Charles Valentine Clarke.

Later Years

Ada remained close to her parents, living with them at Mayarda on Archery Road, Woolston, Southampton. By 1939, she was described as a housekeeper, living with her mother and sister May West. Ada’s father passed away in 1932, and her mother in 1943.

Ada’s Legacy

Ada Maria Clarke died on February 8, 1953, at the age of 69. She is buried in Holy Trinity churchyard, Weston Lane, Southampton, where her late husband is also commemorated on her grave.

Ada’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies behind the Titanic disaster. Her vivid recollections and lifelong commitment to honoring her husband’s memory have contributed significantly to our understanding of the human impact of this historic event. Through her survival and testimony, Ada ensured that the bravery and sacrifice witnessed on that fateful night would never be forgotten.