Bertram Vere Dean

Who was Master Bertram Vere Dean?

Master Bertram Vere Dean was a young English survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on May 21, 1910, in London, he was just 1 (one) year old when he embarked on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Dean’s survival story, coupled with his later involvement in Titanic-related activities, made him a notable figure in the ship’s historical narrative.

Early Life and Family

A Family’s Journey

Bertram Vere Dean was born into a family with aspirations for a new life across the Atlantic. His parents were:

Bertram Frank Dean (father)
Eva Georgette Light (mother)

Young Bertram also had a younger sister, Millvina Dean, who would become known as the last surviving passenger of the Titanic.

The American Dream

In 1912, the Dean family made a life-changing decision to emigrate to Wichita, Kansas. Their goal was to establish a tobacconist shop, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit of many immigrants of that era. This dream led them to book passage on the RMS Titanic, seen as a promising start to their new life in America.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Historic Voyage

The Dean family boarded the Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers. Their ticket details were as follows:

Ticket Number: 2315
Ticket Price: £20 11s 6d (equivalent to £20.57 in decimal currency)

A Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink. Despite the chaos and tragedy unfolding around them, Bertram, his mother, and his sister managed to survive the disaster.

Rescue and Return

After their rescue, the Dean family:

Reached New York City
Were quartered in a hospital for a period of recovery
Eventually returned to England aboard the Adriatic

This unexpected turn of events dramatically altered the course of young Bertram’s life.

Life After the Titanic

Education and Career

Bertram’s survival opened doors for his future:

He received education at King Edward’s school in Southampton
His schooling was funded by compensation from various Titanic relief funds
Later, he worked at Husband’s Shipyard in Southampton

Titanic Connections

Bertram’s life remained intertwined with the Titanic’s legacy:

At Husband’s Shipyard, he met George Beauchamp, who may have been in the same lifeboat during the rescue
He married Dorothy Sinclair, whose father had purchased a music shop previously owned by Titanic victim Henry Price Hodges

How did Bertram Dean contribute to Titanic history?

Bertram Dean became an active participant in preserving and sharing Titanic history. His contributions included:

Granting numerous interviews about his experience
Attending several Titanic conventions
Frequently visiting the Southampton City Heritage offices during the 1980s
Serving as secretary for 25 years at the Anchor Darts Club at the Royal Oak pub in Woodlands

His dedication to Titanic-related activities helped keep the memory of the disaster alive and provided valuable insights for historians and enthusiasts.

Legacy and Final Years

Bertram Vere Dean passed away on April 14, 1992, at the age of 81 (eighty-one). Poignantly, he died on the 80th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking. His final resting place reflects his lifelong connection to Southampton and the Titanic:

Cremated at Southampton Crematorium on April 22, 1992
Ashes scattered in St Mary’s churchyard, Eling, Totton, Southampton, England

Bertram’s widow, Dorothy, continued to reside in Southampton, maintaining the family’s link to the city so intimately connected with the Titanic’s story.

Bertram Vere Dean’s life, from his miraculous survival as an infant to his adult years dedicated to preserving Titanic history, encapsulates the enduring impact of that fateful voyage on individuals and families. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human element in one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.