Who was Master Albert Rice?

Master Albert Rice was a 10 (ten) year-old English boy who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Woolwich, Kent, England in 1902, Albert was the eldest surviving son of William Rice and Margaret Norton. His story is a poignant reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Family

Albert Rice was born into a family with both English and Irish roots. His father, William Rice, was a British soldier from Surrey, while his mother, Margaret Norton, hailed from Athlone, Ireland. The couple met when William was stationed in Ireland, and they married on June 18, 1898.

Albert was one of six sons born to William and Margaret:

• William (1898-1898)
• Albert (1902-1912)
• George (b. 1903)
• Eric (b. 1905)
• Arthur (b. 1907)
• Francis (b. 1909)

Tragically, Albert’s eldest brother William died at less than two months old after choking on his pacifier.

A Family on the Move

The Rice family’s life was characterized by frequent relocations:

1. 1902: Albert was born in Woolwich, Kent, after his parents moved to England
2. Later years: The family migrated to Canada, living first in Montréal and then in Ontario
3. January 1909: They crossed into the USA, settling in Spokane, Washington
4. 1910: After a family tragedy, they returned to Ireland
5. 1912: The family planned to return to Spokane, boarding the Titanic for this journey

What did Albert Rice look like?

According to migration records, Albert Rice was described as having:

• A dark complexion
• Brown hair
• Brown eyes

This description helps us visualize the young boy who would tragically perish on the Titanic.

Family Tragedy in Spokane

The Rice family’s time in Spokane was marked by a devastating loss. On January 24, 1910, Albert’s father William, who worked as a labourer on Great Northern tracks at Hillyard, was crushed by an engine. He later died at the Sacred Heart Hospital, leaving Margaret a widow with five young sons to care for.

Return to Ireland and Plans for a New Start

After the loss of William, the Rice family returned to Ireland. The 1911 census shows them living at Castle Street in Athlone, Co Westmeath. However, their stay in Ireland was not intended to be permanent. The family soon made plans to return to Spokane, joining several others from their locality who would be making the crossing on the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Who traveled with the Rice family?

The Rice family was not alone in their journey. Other people from in or around Athlone traveling on the Titanic included:

• Eugene Daly
• Bridget Mulvihill
• Margaret Daly
• Bridget Henry

Ticket and Boarding Details

• Ticket Number: 382652
• Ticket Cost: £29, 2s, 6d
• Class: Third Class
• Port of Embarkation: Queenstown

The Night of the Sinking

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Bridget Mulvihill, a fellow passenger from Athlone, reported a heartbreaking sight. She saw Mrs. Rice standing on either the boat deck or A-deck, clutching her youngest son to her breast, with the other boys, including Albert, holding onto her skirts.

The Tragic Outcome

Sadly, the entire Rice family was lost in the sinking of the Titanic. Albert, at just 10 (ten) years old, perished along with his mother and four brothers. Of the family, only Mrs. Rice’s body (#12) was recovered by the Mackay Bennett and identified.

Legacy

The story of Albert Rice and his family serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. Their journey, which began with hope for a new start in America, ended in tragedy, highlighting the devastating impact of the sinking on entire families, particularly those traveling in third class.

Albert Rice’s short life, marked by multiple migrations and family tragedy, culminated in one of the most famous maritime disasters in history. His story, along with those of his brothers and mother, continues to be told as part of the larger narrative of the Titanic, ensuring that the youngest victims of the tragedy are not forgotten.