Mr Michel Navratil

Who was Michel Navratil?

Michel Navratil was a 31 (thirty-one) year-old Slovakian-French tailor who became one of the most tragic and intriguing passengers aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on August 13, 1880, in Szered, Slovakia, Navratil’s life took a dramatic turn when he decided to flee to America with his two young sons, setting in motion a series of events that would capture the world’s attention and leave a lasting legacy in Titanic history.

Early Life and Background

From Slovakia to France: A Tailor’s Journey

• Born in Szered, Slovakia on August 13, 1880
• Moved to Hungary in his youth
• Relocated to Nice, France in 1902
• Established himself as a tailor

A Family Man’s Turmoil

Michel Navratil married Marcelle Caretto, an Italian woman, in London on May 26, 1907. The couple had two sons:

1. Michel M. (nicknamed “Lolo”)
2. Edmond Roger (nicknamed “Momon”)

By 1912, however, their marriage was in trouble. Navratil accused Marcelle of having an affair, leading to their separation. This personal crisis would set the stage for the fateful decision that brought him and his sons aboard the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey: A Father’s Desperate Plan

Why did Michel Navratil board the Titanic?

Michel Navratil made the drastic decision to take his sons to America without their mother’s knowledge. This act of desperation was fueled by the breakdown of his marriage and his desire to start a new life with his children.

“My child, when your mother comes for you, as she surely will, tell her that I loved her dearly and still do. Tell her I expected her to follow us, so that we might all live happily together in the peace and freedom of the New World.” - Michel Navratil’s final words to his son

The Journey Begins

1. Stopped in Monte Carlo
2. Sailed to England
3. Stayed at the Charing Cross Hotel in London
4. Purchased second-class tickets for the Titanic (Ticket No. 230080, £26)
5. Boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912

A Man of Many Names

To avoid detection, Navratil adopted the alias “Louis M. Hoffman,” likely inspired by his friend Louis Hoffman who had helped him leave France. He booked his sons under the names “John” and “Fred,” further obscuring their identities.

Life Aboard the Titanic

During the voyage, Navratil maintained a low profile, telling fellow passengers that “Mrs. Hoffman” had died. He rarely let the boys out of his sight, except for one instance when he allowed Bertha Lehmann, a Swiss passenger who spoke French, to watch them while he played cards.

A Fateful Letter

While on board, Mr. Navratil wrote to his mother in Hungary, asking if his sister and her husband could care for the boys. This letter suggests he was considering backup plans for his children’s future in America.

The Night of the Disaster

A Father’s Ultimate Sacrifice

On the night of April 14, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Michel Navratil’s actions revealed the depth of his love for his sons:

1. Dressed the boys with the help of another passenger
2. Brought them to the boat deck
3. Handed them through a ring of crew members to safety

Michel Jr. later recalled his father’s final, poignant message before placing him in a lifeboat, a testament to Navratil’s enduring love for his wife and hope for their future.

The Aftermath: A Tale of Loss and Reunion

Recovery and Burial

• Michel Navratil perished in the sinking
• His body was recovered (Body No. 15)
• Interred on May 15, 1912, in the Baron de Hirsch Cemetery (designated for Jewish victims due to his assumed name)

The “Navratil Orphans”

The story of Michel Navratil’s sons captured public attention:

• Sheltered at Margaret Hays’ home in New York
• Cared for by the Children’s Aid Society
• Their plight widely reported in newspapers

A Mother’s Journey

Marcelle Navratil, recognizing her sons from news stories:

1. Was brought to America by the White Star Line
2. Reunited with her sons on May 16, 1912
3. Returned to France with the boys aboard the Oceanic

Legacy: The Navratil Story in Titanic History

The tale of Michel Navratil and his sons remains one of the most poignant stories to emerge from the Titanic disaster. It encapsulates themes of love, sacrifice, and the complex human dramas that played out aboard the doomed ship.

Lasting Impact

• Highlighted the human cost of the disaster
• Demonstrated the international nature of the Titanic’s passengers
• Became a symbol of the separation of families during the sinking

The story of Michel Navratil serves as a reminder of the personal tragedies behind the grand narrative of the Titanic, and the enduring power of a father’s love in the face of disaster.