Who was Alfred Fleming Cunningham?

Alfred Fleming Cunningham was a young Irish fitter who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic at the age of 21 (twenty-one). He was part of the nine-strong “guarantee group” from Harland and Wolff shipyard, chosen to oversee the smooth running of the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Early Life and Family

Alfred was born on November 25, 1890, at 25 Upper Meadow Street in Belfast, Ireland (modern-day Northern Ireland). He came from a Presbyterian household and was one of six children born to James Cunningham and Elizabeth Brooks.

Family Background

• Father: James Cunningham (b. 1854), a linen overlooker (supervisor or foreman in a linen mill)
• Mother: Elizabeth Brooks (b. 1860), originally from Derry
• Siblings:
  • James (b. September 19, 1886)
  • Robert (b. February 16, 1888)
  • Lily Margaretta (b. September 4, 1892)
  • Thomas (b. December 14, 1894)
  • Martha (b. January 14, 1897)

Tragedy struck the family early when Alfred’s father died from a fever on August 30, 1896, leaving behind his pregnant wife and several young children. James Cunningham was described as a foreman yarn dresser at the time of his death and was buried at Belfast’s City Cemetery.

Education and Early Career

While specific details about Alfred’s education are not provided, we know that he followed in his father’s footsteps by entering the industrial workforce of Belfast. By the time of the 1911 census, Alfred was described as an unmarried apprentice ship’s fitter, indicating he had begun his career in the shipbuilding industry that Belfast was famous for.

Life in Belfast

The Cunningham family lived in the New Lodge area of Belfast City. Their addresses over the years included:

• 4 Spamount Street (1901 census)
• 96 Spamount Street (1911 census)

This area was likely close to the shipyards where Alfred worked, as was common for working-class families in Belfast at the time.

Titanic Journey

Why was Alfred on the Titanic?

As part of the Harland and Wolff “guarantee group,” Alfred was selected to sail on the Titanic’s maiden voyage. This group’s purpose was to oversee the ship’s operations and address any issues that might arise during its first journey.

Ticket and Boarding Details

• Class: 2nd Class
• Ticket Number: 239853
• Boarded: Belfast

The Sinking and Its Aftermath

Confusion and False Hope

In the chaotic aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking, there was initially some confusion about Alfred’s fate. His mother received a telegram stating:

“The following telegram was received from Southampton: ‘Name of A. Cunningham amongst the saved.’”

This news was reported in the Larne Times on April 27, 1912, bringing brief joy to the Cunningham family.

The Tragic Truth

Sadly, the initial report of Alfred’s survival was a case of mistaken identity. He had been confused with a surviving steward named Andrew Cunningham. The Northern Whig reported on April 26, 1912:

“Messrs. Harland & Wolff received a telegram yesterday to the effect that their apprentice Alfred Cunningham was not amongst the survivors of the Titanic disaster. In other words, this brief message conveys the terrible news that not a solitary member of the Queen’s Island staff has been saved.”

Legacy and Family’s Future

The loss of Alfred was not the last tragedy to befall the Cunningham family. His brother Robert later lost his life while serving in the Merchant Service aboard SS Castlebar, which was sunk on March 13, 1918.

Alfred’s mother, Elizabeth, continued to live on Spamount Street until her death on November 29, 1922. She was buried with her husband in City Cemetery, Belfast.

Alfred’s sister Martha married labourer James Bailie in October 1920. She passed away in Belfast on September 30, 1952, and was buried with her parents.

Final Thoughts

Alfred Fleming Cunningham’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. As a young man of just 21, he represented the skilled workforce of Belfast, chosen for his expertise to ensure the smooth operation of the ship. His loss, along with those of his colleagues, was deeply felt in the shipbuilding community of Belfast, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy on both individual families and the wider industrial landscape of early 20th century Ireland.