Gilbert Sigvard Emanuel Danbom

Who was Master Gilbert Sigvard Emanuel Danbom?

Master Gilbert Sigvard Emanuel Danbom was a tragically young passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on November 16, 1911, Gilbert was merely 4 months (four months) old when he embarked on what would be his first and last voyage across the Atlantic. As one of the youngest victims of the Titanic disaster, Gilbert’s short life serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy.

Early Life and Family

A Brief Existence

Gilbert Sigvard Emanuel Danbom’s life was tragically brief, spanning just over four months. Born in late 1911, he was the son of Ernst and Anna Danbom, a Swedish couple who had decided to journey to America with their infant son.

Family Ties

The Danbom family consisted of:

• Ernst Gilbert Danbom (Father)
• Anna Sigrid Maria Danbom (Mother)
• Gilbert Sigvard Emanuel Danbom (Son)

This small family unit, full of hope for a new life, would tragically perish together in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

The Fateful Journey

Embarkation

On April 10, 1912, the Danbom family boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton, England. They were traveling as third-class passengers, reflective of many immigrant families seeking new opportunities in America.

Ticket Details

• Ticket Number: 347080
• Fare: £14 8s (14 pounds, 8 shillings)

This fare, equivalent to about £1,700 in today’s currency, represented a significant investment for the family, underscoring their commitment to starting a new life across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Disaster

A Family Lost

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, the Danbom family’s dreams of a new life in America were shattered. All three members of the family perished in the sinking, which occurred in the early hours of April 15, 1912.

The Youngest Victims

At just 4 months (four months) old, Gilbert Sigvard Emanuel Danbom was among the youngest victims of the Titanic disaster. His tragic fate underscores the indiscriminate nature of the catastrophe, which claimed lives regardless of age or station.

Legacy and Remembrance

Unidentified Remains

Sadly, Gilbert’s body, if recovered, was never identified. This was not uncommon, particularly for third-class passengers and especially for infants. The vast majority of those who perished in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic were never recovered.

A Symbol of Innocence Lost

The story of Gilbert Danbom and other young victims of the Titanic disaster serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy. These innocent lives, cut short before they had truly begun, became powerful symbols in the aftermath of the sinking, prompting changes in maritime safety regulations and practices.

Historical Context

Immigration in the Early 20th Century

The Danbom family’s journey was part of a larger wave of European immigration to the United States in the early 20th century. Many, like the Danboms, saw America as a land of opportunity and were willing to risk everything for a chance at a better life.

Maritime Travel in 1912

Ocean liners like the Titanic were the primary means of intercontinental travel in 1912. The journey was seen not just as transportation, but as an adventure in itself, particularly for third-class passengers who might never have experienced such luxury before.

Gilbert Sigvard Emanuel Danbom, though his life was brief, remains an important part of the Titanic’s history. His story, along with those of his parents and the many other victims, continues to captivate and move us more than a century after that fateful night in April 1912.