Emile Phillippe Richard

Who was Emile Phillippe Richard?

Emile Phillippe Richard was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old French passenger who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. A young man on the cusp of a new chapter in his life, Richard was traveling to Canada for a vacation before taking on responsibilities in his family’s distillery business.

Early Life and Family Background

A Son of Charente

Born on August 24, 1888, Emile Phillippe Richard hailed from St. Jean d’Angeleys in the Charente region of France. This area is renowned for its production of cognac, which provides context for Richard’s family business.

The Family Distillery

While specific details about the Richard family distillery are not provided, it’s clear that Emile was destined to play a role in this family enterprise. The distillery business was likely a source of pride and livelihood for the Richard family, representing generations of craftsmanship in the art of spirit production.

Military Service and Post-Army Plans

Completing National Duty

Prior to his fateful journey, Emile had completed his service in the French army. This was a common rite of passage for young French men of his generation, instilling discipline and patriotism.

A Well-Deserved Vacation

After fulfilling his military obligations, Emile’s father decided to reward him with a vacation to Canada. This gesture speaks to a close family relationship and a desire to broaden the young man’s horizons before he settled into his career.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on Adventure

Emile boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. He was traveling as a second-class passenger, which would have provided him with comfortable accommodations on the grand ship.

Ticket and Cabin Details

• Ticket Number: SC/PARIS 2133
• Fare: £15 0s 11d (15 pounds, 0 shillings, and 11 pence)
• Cabin: Not specified

Traveling Companions

Interestingly, Emile was not traveling alone. He accompanied the family of Albert Mallet, a cognac importer. This connection suggests that the Mallet family may have had business ties with the Richard distillery.

The Tragic Sinking

A Life Cut Short

Sadly, Emile Phillippe Richard did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At just 23 years of age, his promising future was abruptly ended in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic.

Unidentified Remains

Like many victims of the disaster, Emile’s body was never identified, if it was recovered at all. This lack of closure must have been particularly painful for his family back in France.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Story Preserved

Though Emile’s life was cut tragically short, his story has been preserved as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster. Through historical records and photographs, we can still catch a glimpse of the young man who set out with hopes and dreams for the future.

The Image That Survives

A photograph of Emile Richard, taken around 1910, shows him in his garden. This image, courtesy of Olivier Mendez from the Association Français du Titanic, provides a poignant reminder of the real lives behind the statistics of the Titanic tragedy.

Reflecting on Emile’s Story

Emile Phillippe Richard’s tale is a stark reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. A young man with a bright future ahead, poised to contribute to his family’s business and perhaps make his mark on the world, instead became one of the many lives lost on that fateful night. His story, while brief, continues to resonate as a testament to the dreams and potential extinguished in the icy waters of the North Atlantic over a century ago.