Mr Knud Paust Rommetvedt

Who was Knud Paust Rommetvedt?

Knud Paust Rommetvedt was a 49 (forty-nine) year-old Norwegian seaman who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on February 11, 1863, in Utsola, Haaland, Stavanger County, Norway, Rommetvedt was an experienced mariner on his way to Philadelphia to become a second officer on the SS Norheim when fate intervened.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Rommetvedt’s family like?

Knud Paust Rommetvedt came from a large family with a diverse background:

• Parents: Anders Helgesen (1836-1915) and Malene Halvorsdatter (1837-1921)
• Father’s occupations: School teacher, farmer, church singer, headmaster, and local politician
• Siblings: 10 in total, including Helge Andreas, Halvor Olai, and Gunnild Malene

His father’s varied career and involvement in local politics as the mayor of Halland suggests a family of some standing in their community.

How did Rommetvedt’s maritime career begin?

Knud had worked at sea from a young age, demonstrating his passion for maritime life early on. His career progression was impressive:

1. Started as a young seaman
2. Rose to the rank of skipper on sailing ships
3. Trained to skipper steamers

This experience made him a valuable asset in the maritime industry and led to his prospective position as second officer on the SS Norheim.

Family Life

Knud married Berta Tomine Lars Andreasdotter on September 21, 1888. The couple had two sons:

1. Anders Malenius (born July 5, 1891)
2. Lars Andreas Ingolf (born 1909)

The family resided on a farm in Halland, balancing Knud’s seafaring career with agricultural life.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Rommetvedt on the Titanic?

In 1912, Knud was en route to Philadelphia to take up his new position as second officer on the SS Norheim. He boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger, traveling alongside two fellow Norwegians, Hans Martin Monsen Birkeland and Albert Johan Moss, who were also destined for work on the Norheim.

What were the details of Rommetvedt’s Titanic ticket?

It is believed that Rommetvedt shared a cabin on F-deck’s forward portside with his two Norwegian companions.

The Night of the Disaster

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, Knud Paust Rommetvedt’s life took a tragic turn:

1. Awakened by a shudder running through the ship
2. Dressed and left the cabin with his companions
3. Joined other steerage passengers on the aft well deck
4. Witnessed several lifeboats departing
5. Lost contact with Albert Moss, who returned to the cabin and survived

“Albert Moss became separated from his two friends after returning to his cabin and he never saw them again.”

Legacy and Remembrance

How was Rommetvedt’s family affected by the tragedy?

The loss of Knud Paust Rommetvedt had a profound impact on his family:

• His widow, Tomine, received £120 in assistance from the Mansion House relief fund
• Tomine never remarried and their eldest son took over running the farm
• She passed away on April 29, 1950, in Sola, Norway

What became of Rommetvedt’s children?

• Anders Malenius:

  • Married but had no children
  • Died on November 23, 1960, in Sola

• Lars Andreas Ingolf:

  • Married and had two children
  • Followed in his father’s footsteps, working at sea
  • Passed away on October 10, 1992

How is Knud Paust Rommetvedt remembered today?

Knud’s memory lives on through:

• His wife’s headstone in Kirke churchyard, Sola, Norway, which bears his name
• The enduring stories of Titanic victims and their families
• Historical records and passenger lists that document his presence on the ill-fated voyage

Knud Paust Rommetvedt’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives tragically cut short by the Titanic disaster, and the far-reaching impact on families and communities left behind.