Master Alden Gates Caldwell: The Infant Titanic Survivor

Master Alden Gates Caldwell was one of the youngest survivors of the Titanic disaster, traveling as a 10-month-old infant with his parents when the ship sank in April 1912. Born in Siam (now Thailand) to American parents, Alden’s life was shaped by this early brush with history, though he would go on to lead a quiet life as a chemical engineer in the United States.

Early Life and Titanic Journey

Alden Gates Caldwell was born on June 10, 1911, in Siam, to Albert Francis and Sylvia Mae Caldwell. At just 10 months old, he embarked on a journey that would forever mark his place in history.

The Fateful Voyage

• Embarkation: The Caldwell family boarded the Titanic in Southampton as second-class passengers.
• Ticket Number: 248738
• Cabin: Not specified
• Lifeboat: 13

On the night of April 14, 1912, as the Titanic began to sink, Alden’s survival was secured through a dramatic series of events. His mother, Sylvia, first entered Lifeboat 13. Then, in a heart-stopping moment, the infant Alden, wrapped snugly in a blanket, was tossed to Steward Frederick Ray, who caught him in the stern of the lifeboat. Alden’s father, Albert, then stepped into the bow as the boat was lowered to safety.

A Curious Incident in Lifeboat 13

An interesting anecdote about young Alden’s rescue comes from fellow survivor Lawrence Beesley. In his account, Beesley mentioned a baby who cried incessantly in the lifeboat until someone noticed the child’s feet were exposed to the cold. Once the feet were covered, the crying immediately ceased. This baby was none other than Alden Caldwell, demonstrating even at his young age a certain resilience and adaptability that would characterize his later life.

Education and Career

Despite his early brush with tragedy, Alden went on to lead a life of academic and professional success:

• Graduated from the University of Illinois in 1934
• Earned a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering
• Worked for the Leigh-Portland Cement Company for nearly 33 years

Alden’s career as a chemical engineer was marked by dedication and expertise. However, an interesting challenge arose as he approached retirement: he had to spend considerable time proving his citizenship status to receive social security benefits, a testament to the unique circumstances of his birth and early life.

Personal Life and Character

Alden Gates Caldwell never married and spent most of his adult life in Allentown, Pennsylvania. After retiring in 1977, he split his time between a winter home in Largo, Florida, and a summer cottage in Stone Lake, Wisconsin.

A Man of Contrasts

Interestingly, Alden was remembered differently by various acquaintances:

• Some recall him as reclusive and unfriendly, with neighbors who barely knew him
• Others describe him as kind, amiable, and willing to discuss his family’s Titanic experience

This contrast in perceptions paints a picture of a complex individual, perhaps shaped by his unique life experiences.

Titanic Legacy and Later Years

While Alden admitted that the Titanic story held little personal interest for him, unlike his parents, he didn’t shy away from discussing it. His memories were preserved on audiotape in 1986 and 1987, now held in the archives of the Titanic International Society. This interview stands as the only known record of Alden’s personal reflections on his Titanic experience.

A Surprising Discovery

An interesting anecdote emerged at the funeral of Alden’s father, Albert, in 1977. Titanic survivor Frank Aks, who had believed himself to be the youngest male survivor, met Alden for the first time. It was then revealed that Alden was born just three days after Aks, on June 10, 1911, making him the younger of the two.

Final Years and Death

In his later years, Alden was known for his distinctive appearance, sporting a long, unkempt white beard. He passed away on December 18, 1992, in Largo, Florida, at the age of 81 (eighty-one). He was laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Bloomington, Indiana.

Master Alden Gates Caldwell’s life, beginning with his miraculous survival as an infant on the Titanic and concluding after a full and productive career, serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impacts of historical events on individual lives. His story, from being tossed into a lifeboat as a baby to becoming a successful engineer, embodies the resilience and quiet strength of many Titanic survivors.