Mr Nikolai Erland Kallio

Who was Nikolai Erland Kallio?

Nikolai Erland Kallio was a 17 (seventeen) year-old Finnish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A young general labourer seeking new opportunities, Kallio’s journey was tragically cut short when the ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1912.

Early Life and Background

What was Kallio’s upbringing like?

Born on December 18, 1894, in Finland, Nikolai Erland Kallio grew up in a time of significant change and opportunity. As a general labourer at the young age of 17 (seventeen), Kallio likely came from a working-class background, which was common for many third-class passengers on the Titanic.

Why did Kallio decide to travel to North America?

Like many European emigrants of his time, Kallio was drawn to the promise of a better life across the Atlantic. His destination was Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, a bustling mining town that offered ample employment opportunities for young, able-bodied workers like himself.

The Titanic Journey

How did Kallio’s Titanic adventure begin?

Nikolai Erland Kallio boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912. He was a third-class passenger, travelling on ticket number 3101274. The fare for his journey cost £7 2s 6d, a significant sum for a young labourer at the time.

Who were Kallio’s travel companions?

Kallio wasn’t alone on this momentous journey. He was travelling with a group of fellow Finns:

This group of young men likely provided each other with companionship and support during the exciting but undoubtedly daunting transatlantic voyage.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Kallio when the Titanic sank?

Tragically, Nikolai Erland Kallio did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a young, male, third-class passenger, his chances of survival were slim. The disaster claimed the lives of all members of his travelling group.

Was Kallio’s body ever recovered?

Kallio’s body was never found in the aftermath of the sinking. This was unfortunately common for many victims of the disaster, leaving families without closure or a place to mourn their loved ones.

Legacy and Impact

How was Kallio’s family compensated for their loss?

In the wake of the tragedy, Kallio’s relatives received £50 in compensation for their loss. While no amount could truly compensate for the loss of a young life, this sum (equivalent to several thousand pounds today) would have provided some financial relief to his family.

What can we learn from Kallio’s story?

Nikolai Erland Kallio’s story, though brief, provides a poignant snapshot of the dreams and aspirations of many young European emigrants in the early 20th century. His journey on the Titanic represents the hopes of countless individuals seeking better opportunities abroad, tragically cut short by one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

“Kallio’s tale serves as a reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, particularly among third-class passengers whose stories are often overshadowed by more famous victims.”

Interesting Facts About Nikolai Erland Kallio

Kallio was one of the younger victims aboard the Titanic, having just turned 17 a few months before the voyage.
His planned destination, Sudbury, Ontario, was (and still is) known for its nickel mining industry, suggesting Kallio may have been seeking work in this field.
The age at which Kallio embarked on this life-changing journey highlights the different expectations and responsibilities placed on young people in the early 20th century compared to today.