Bengt Edvin Larsson

Who was Mr Bengt Edvin Larsson?

Mr Bengt Edvin Larsson was a 29 (twenty-nine) year-old Swedish general labourer who perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on December 5, 1882, Larsson was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would tragically become his last.

Early Life and Family

Bengt Edvin Larsson was born into a farming family in Tullerum, Norra Vi, Nyköping, Södermanland, Sweden. He was the only son of Gustaf Edvard and Hädda Larsson, who operated a farm in the region. This rural upbringing would shape Larsson’s early years and instill in him the values of hard work and perseverance.

Career and Life in Stockholm

From Farm to City

Despite his rural roots, Larsson chose to seek opportunities in the bustling capital of Sweden. He moved to Stockholm, where he embarked on a new chapter in his life.

Work as a Grocery Clerk

For several years prior to his fateful journey, Bengt Edvin worked as a clerk in a grocery store located on Drottninggatan, one of Stockholm’s main shopping streets. This position allowed him to gain experience in customer service and retail operations.

Urban Residence

While working in Stockholm, Larsson resided at Apelbergsgatan 37, situating himself in the heart of the city and fully embracing urban life.

The Titanic Journey

Ticket and Embarkation

• Ticket Number: 347067
• Ticket Cost: 181 Kr (Swedish Krona)
• Class: 3rd Class
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

It took Bengt Edvin several years to save up for his transatlantic voyage. He initially traveled from Stockholm to Gothenburg, then made his way to Southampton, where he boarded the Titanic.

A Poignant Memento

In a touching gesture, Larsson purchased a postcard featuring the Titanic while in Southampton. He sent this card to his parents, unaware of the tragic significance it would later hold.

Physical Appearance and Character

According to his father, Bengt Edvin was of “middle length with an honest, pleasant appearance.” Others who knew him described Larsson as silent and tranquil, painting a picture of a reserved and thoughtful individual.

Future Plans and Aspirations

American Adventure or Family Duty?

There seems to be some confusion about Larsson’s intended destination in America:

1. The White Star Line list indicated he was traveling to Axel Petersen at 70 Smith St. Hartford, Connecticut.
2. However, his father later wrote to the New York consulate stating that Bengt Edvin had no specific destination in mind.

Inheriting the Family Farm

Despite his urban life in Stockholm, there were plans for Bengt Edvin to eventually return home. His father revealed, “The meaning was that after some years my son should take over the farm,” indicating a long-term plan for Larsson to continue the family’s agricultural legacy.

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

Loss at Sea

Bengt Edvin Larsson tragically perished when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. He was just 29 (twenty-nine) years old, his promising life cut short by the disaster.

Search for Closure

In the aftermath of the sinking, Larsson’s father wrote to the consulate in New York, desperately seeking the recovery of his son’s body. Sadly, Bengt Edvin’s remains were never found, leaving his family without the closure of a proper burial.

Financial Compensation

The Larsson family received two forms of financial compensation following the tragedy:

1. The Mansion House Fund paid 875.52 Kr (£48) to Bengt Edvin’s parents.
2. On August 25, 1914, damage claims amounting to 911 Kr (£50) were paid to the parents.

While no amount of money could compensate for their loss, these payments were a recognition of the family’s suffering and the potential that was lost with Bengt Edvin’s untimely death.

Bengt Edvin Larsson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that made up the larger disaster of the Titanic. His journey from a Swedish farm to the ill-fated ship encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of many third-class passengers, whose stories often go untold in the grand narrative of the Titanic’s sinking.