Colonel (Oberst) Alfons Simonius-Blumer

Who was Mr Colonel (Oberst) Alfons Simonius-Blumer?

Mr Colonel (Oberst) Alfons Simonius-Blumer was a prominent Swiss banker and military officer who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on October 23, 1855, in Basel, Switzerland, he served as the president of the Swiss Bankverein from 1906 and held the rank of colonel in the Swiss Army. Simonius-Blumer’s journey on the Titanic and subsequent survival made him a notable figure in the annals of the historic maritime disaster.

Early Life and Career

Swiss Roots and Military Service

Born into a Swiss family, Alfons Simonius-Blumer’s early life was shaped by the culture and traditions of Basel. His military career was a significant part of his identity, as evidenced by his rank of colonel (Oberst) in the Swiss Army. This position highlighted his dedication to service and leadership within his country’s military structure.

Rise in the Banking Sector

Simonius-Blumer’s professional life was marked by his achievements in the banking industry. His ascension to the presidency of the Swiss Bankverein in 1906 demonstrated his financial acumen and leadership skills. This position placed him at the forefront of Switzerland’s banking sector during a period of significant economic growth and change.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Simonius-Blumer on the Titanic?

Alfons Simonius-Blumer boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger, accompanied by his acquaintance Dr. Max Staehelin-Maeglin, a lawyer. Their destination was New York City, where they intended to oversee the business affairs of Heine & Co., a company affiliated with the Swiss Bankverein.

Titanic Ticket Details

• Ticket Number: 13213
• Ticket Price: £35 10s (897.35 Swiss francs)
• Cabin: A-26
• Class: First Class

Simonius-Blumer’s high-status ticket and cabin assignment reflected his prominent position in society and the luxurious accommodations afforded to first-class passengers on the Titanic.

The Night of the Sinking

Last Evening Aboard

On the evening of April 14, 1912, Simonius-Blumer engaged in a typical upper-class pastime aboard the Titanic:

• Played cards in the first-class smoke room with Max Frölicher-Stehli and Max Staehelin-Maeglin
• The group retired to their staterooms around 11:30 PM

Collision and Evacuation

After the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg, Simonius-Blumer’s actions were those of a curious but calm passenger:

1. Went outside to investigate the cause of the disturbance
2. Entered Lifeboat 3 at approximately 0:50 AM with Max Staehelin-Maeglin
3. Participated in rowing the lifeboat to keep warm
4. Was rescued by the RMS Carpathia

Post-Rescue Communications

Simonius-Blumer, recovering from a cold, relied on fellow Swiss passengers to send telegrams on his behalf:

1. First attempt (via Max Frölicher):

   “Oberst Simonius Basel Staehlin and I well on Carpathia Thursday New York Alfons”

   This message was never transmitted due to overwhelming workload for operators.

2. Second attempt (via Karl Lisibach, a Swiss passenger on the Carpathia):

   “Winterfeldt Speyerco New York Simonius Staehelin saved Carpathia cable Basle Simonius”

   This telegram was successfully sent on April 18th at 6:25 AM.

Arrival in New York and Return to Europe

Upon reaching New York, Simonius-Blumer’s experience was characterized by:

• Being greeted by Dr. Hans Winterfeldt
• Staying at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria Hotel with Max Staehelin
• Visiting Heine Co. to conduct their intended business
• Departing for Europe on May 7, 1912, aboard the Victoria Luise

Later Life and Legacy

Retirement from Military Service

In 1913, just a year after his Titanic experience, Alfons Simonius-Blumer retired from the Swiss Army, concluding his military career.

Final Years and Family

Simonius-Blumer’s life came to an end on May 26, 1920, in Luzern, Switzerland. He was 64 (sixty-four) years old when he succumbed to heart failure. His legacy lived on through his wife and three sons.

Final Resting Place

The final chapter of Alfons Simonius-Blumer’s story is written in stone at the Wolfgottesacker Cemetery in Basel, where he is buried in Section 1, a lasting testament to a life that bridged two centuries and survived one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.