Mr Karl Rudolf Brobäck

Who was Karl Rudolf Brobäck?

Karl Rudolf Brobäck was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Swedish decorator who tragically lost his life as a third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on January 2, 1890, in Norrköping, Östergötland, Sweden, Brobäck’s journey to America was cut short by the infamous maritime disaster.

Early Life and Family Background

Karl Rudolf Brobäck came from a large Swedish family. His parents were:

• Karl Edvard Brobäck (born 1864) - a police officer
• Anna Sofia Blomqvist (born 1866)

Brobäck had seven siblings:

1. Gunhild Sofia Lovisa (1888-1983)
2. Sven Harry (born 1892)
3. Nils Gustaf (1894-1955)
4. Greta Maria (born 1898)
5. Gösta Fredrik (1901-1975)
6. Ingeborg Linnea (1904-1987)
7. Karl Erik (1908-1986)

The Brobäck family resided at Tunnbindargatan 22 in Norrköping, where Karl spent his formative years.

Professional Life Before the Titanic

Karl Brobäck’s career was diverse and showed his adaptability. His professional experiences included:

• Working as a butler in various hotels during a previous visit to Worcester, Massachusetts
• Returning to Sweden to work in Stockholm and Norrköping
• Employed as a painter and janitor
• Listed his occupation as a decorator at the time of his Titanic journey

The Titanic Journey

Why was Karl Brobäck traveling to America?

Karl Brobäck was embarking on a journey to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he planned to stay with Axel Sandqvist at 3 Whipple Street. This wasn’t his first trip to America, as he had previously worked in Worcester.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Passenger Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 350045
• Fare: £7 15s 11d (7 pounds, 15 shillings, and 11 pence)

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Karl Rudolf Brobäck did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was never recovered from the frigid Atlantic waters. In a poignant twist of fate, Brobäck had sent a postcard to his friend Axel Sandqvist from Southampton on April 9, 1912, mentioning his imminent departure but not specifying the ship’s name.

“He had sent his friend Axel Sandqvist a card from Southampton on 9 April saying he would sail soon, but did not mention the name of the ship.”

This lack of specific information led to initial uncertainty among his friends in Worcester about whether he had indeed been aboard the Titanic.

Legacy and Aftermath

Financial Compensation

In the wake of the disaster, the Brobäck family received financial compensation:

• The Mansion House Fund paid 875.52 Kr (£48) to his parents
• Additional damage claims of 911 Kr (£50) were paid on July 30, 1914

Family’s Fate

Karl’s parents both passed away in the decades following the disaster:

• His mother died in 1936
• His father followed in 1938

Interestingly, it is believed that none of Karl’s siblings ever emigrated from Sweden, making his journey aboard the Titanic a unique event in the family’s history.

How did Karl Rudolf Brobäck’s story impact the broader Titanic narrative?

Karl Rudolf Brobäck’s story, while one of many tragic tales from the Titanic disaster, highlights several important aspects of the event:

1. The dreams and aspirations of third-class passengers seeking new opportunities in America
2. The international nature of the Titanic’s passenger list, with individuals from various countries and backgrounds
3. The devastating impact on families left behind, who often faced uncertainty about their loved ones’ fates
4. The complex process of compensating victims’ families in the aftermath of the disaster

Karl Rudolf Brobäck’s life, cut short at just 22 years old, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic tragedy and the countless stories of hope and loss intertwined with the ship’s fateful voyage.