Carl Robert Carlsson
Who was Mr Carl Robert Carlsson?
Mr Carl Robert Carlsson was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Swedish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on January 19, 1888, Carlsson was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey from his homeland to Huntley, Illinois, where he had relatives.
Early Life and Family
Carl Robert Carlsson was born into a farming family in Lassa farm Sörby, Vessingebo, Halland, Sweden. His parents were Emanuel and Anna Beata Carlsson. Carl Robert was the second youngest of five siblings, with his sister Anna being the youngest. Growing up on a farm likely instilled in him the strong work ethic that would later define his career choices.
Career and Pursuits
Carlsson’s professional life was marked by diverse experiences:
- From 1908: Worked as a rental coachman in Falkenberg
- Later: Served as a soldier in Gothenburg
These occupations showcase Carlsson’s versatility and willingness to take on different roles, from civilian service to military duty.
The Journey to America
Why did Carl Robert Carlsson leave Sweden?
Carl Robert Carlsson’s decision to leave Sweden was not without controversy. He was among those who departed without official permission from the Swedish authorities. To facilitate his journey, Carlsson resorted to purchasing what was colloquially known as a “Danish waistcoat” – a set of false papers that allowed him to travel undetected.
The Route to the Titanic
Carlsson’s journey to the ill-fated Titanic involved several stages:
- Departed from Gothenburg, Sweden
- Traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark
- Continued to Esbjerg, likely for further travel arrangements
- Boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger
He was not alone on this journey, traveling with a companion named Nils Hilding Jönsson.
The Titanic Experience
Ticket and Accommodation Details
- Ticket Number: 350409
- Class: Third Class
- Fare: £7 17s (7 pounds, 17 shillings)
A Poignant Message Home
Before boarding the Titanic, Carl Robert sent a postcard featuring an image of the ship to his family. His message revealed both excitement and a hint of regret:
“…if I had known that it would go so smooth then Anna may had come with me. Good-by!”
This bittersweet note to his sister Anna would be the last communication his family received from him.
The Tragedy and Aftermath
What happened to Carl Robert Carlsson?
Tragically, Carl Robert Carlsson did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.
Financial Compensation
Following the disaster, the Carlsson family sought aid:
- Initially, the Halland County Sheriff reported to the foreign office that the Carlssons didn’t need financial assistance.
- Undeterred, the family appealed directly to London.
- They received 875.52 Kr (£48) from the Mansion House Fund.
- Additional damage claims of 1366.50 Kr (£75) were paid to Carlsson’s parents.
Legacy
While Carl Robert Carlsson’s life was cut short at the young age of 24, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that made up the larger Titanic disaster. His journey from a Swedish farm to the decks of the world’s most famous ship encapsulates the hopes and dreams of many immigrants of his time, seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.