Mr Mile SMILJANIĆ

Who was Mile Smiljanić?

Mile Smiljanić was a 37 (thirty-seven) year-old Croatian farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster. As a third-class passenger, Smiljanić’s story is one of the many poignant tales from that fateful night in April 1912.

Early Life and Background

What was Mile Smiljanić’s origin?

Mile Smiljanić hailed from Pisac, Croatia. Born in 1875, he spent his life working as a farm labourer, likely contributing to the agricultural economy of his homeland. Despite the limited information available about his early years, we can infer that Smiljanić was accustomed to hard work and may have been seeking new opportunities when he decided to embark on his journey to America.

Titanic Journey

How did Mile Smiljanić come to be on the Titanic?

Mile Smiljanić boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912. He was one of many European emigrants hoping to start a new life in America. Smiljanić traveled with a third-class ticket, number 315037, which cost him £8 13s (8 pounds and 13 shillings).

Titanic Boarding Details:

• Embarkation Point: Southampton
• Passenger Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 315037
• Fare: £8 13s

What was life like for third-class passengers on the Titanic?

Third-class accommodations on the Titanic, while basic, were considered superior to those on many other ships of the era. Passengers like Smiljanić would have had access to:

• Shared cabins with bunk beds
• Common areas for socializing
• Basic amenities such as shared bathrooms
• Simple but nourishing meals

Despite the class distinctions, the Titanic’s third-class facilities were a step up from what many passengers were accustomed to in their daily lives.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Mile Smiljanić when the Titanic sank?

Tragically, Mile Smiljanić did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class male passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in other classes or women and children. The chaos and confusion during the evacuation, combined with the limited number of lifeboats, meant that many in his position were unable to escape the sinking ship.

The loss of life among third-class passengers like Mile Smiljanić highlights the stark inequalities that existed even in the face of disaster.

Was Mile Smiljanić’s body ever recovered?

According to the available records, Mile Smiljanić’s body, if recovered, was never identified. This was unfortunately common for many victims of the Titanic disaster, particularly those from third-class. The vast ocean claimed many lives, leaving families without closure or a place to mourn their loved ones.

Legacy and Impact

How did Mile Smiljanić’s death affect his family?

The loss of Mile Smiljanić had a profound impact on his family back in Croatia. Records show that his widow and mother in Pisak received £100 from the Titanic relief fund. This financial assistance, while unable to compensate for their loss, was part of the efforts to support the families of those who perished in the disaster.

What can we learn from Mile Smiljanić’s story?

Mile Smiljanić’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. It highlights the dreams and aspirations of immigrants seeking a better life, as well as the devastating impact of the tragedy on families and communities around the world. His tale, like those of many others, contributes to our understanding of the social and economic factors that drove people to undertake such perilous journeys in search of opportunity.

As we remember Mile Smiljanić, we honor not just his memory, but the memories of all those who lost their lives on that fateful night of April 15, 1912. Their stories continue to resonate, reminding us of the fragility of life and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.