August Meyer

Who was Mr August Meyer?

Mr August Meyer was a 31 (thirty-one) year-old German-born baker who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. As a second-class passenger, Meyer embarked on what would be his final journey, leaving behind a legacy that is remembered both in England, where he had made his home, and in his native Germany.

Early Life and Origins

Birth and Nationality

August Meyer was born on May 26, 1880, in Rhoden, Hesse, Germany. While German by birth, Meyer had also acquired English nationality, reflecting his life’s journey between these two countries.

Immigration to England

At some point in his life, Meyer made the significant decision to emigrate from Germany to England. This move would have been part of a larger trend of European migration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as people sought new opportunities abroad.

Professional Life

Career as a Baker

Meyer worked as a baker, a profession that requires skill, patience, and often involves early mornings and long hours. His choice of career may have influenced his decision to travel, possibly seeking new opportunities or returning from a visit to his homeland.

Residence in England

Prior to boarding the Titanic, August Meyer’s last known address was:

• 26 Kildas Road
• Harrow-on-Hill, England

This location in the northwestern suburbs of London suggests that Meyer had established himself in the English capital, likely practicing his trade as a baker in the area.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

• Embarked: Southampton
• Passenger Class: 2nd Class
• Ticket Number: 248723
• Ticket Price: £13

Meyer boarded the Titanic at its first departure point, Southampton, on April 10, 1912. His choice of second-class accommodation indicates a certain level of comfort and financial stability, as it was a step above the more crowded third-class quarters.

What happened to August Meyer during the sinking?

Tragically, August Meyer did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the age of 31 (thirty-one), his promising life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Recovery Efforts

Despite extensive efforts to recover and identify victims of the Titanic disaster, August Meyer’s body was either never recovered or, if found, was not identified. This sad reality was shared by many of the Titanic’s victims, leaving families and friends without the closure of a proper burial.

Remembrance and Legacy

Memorial in Germany

Although August Meyer had made England his home, he was not forgotten in his birthplace. A cenotaph in the Old Cemetery of Rhoden, Germany, stands in his memory. This testament to his life serves as a poignant reminder of the global impact of the Titanic disaster, affecting communities far beyond the shores where the ship met its fate.

Historical Significance

August Meyer’s story, while individual, represents the diverse backgrounds of the Titanic’s passengers. As a German-born baker who had made his life in England, Meyer exemplifies the international nature of the Titanic’s voyage and the wide-reaching effects of its tragic end.

Reflections on a Life Cut Short

August Meyer’s journey on the Titanic raises many questions about the paths not taken and the potential unfulfilled. As a young man of 31 (thirty-one), with a established trade and the courage to build a life in a new country, one can only imagine the future he might have had. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, where lives full of promise were tragically cut short on that fateful night in April 1912.