Olof Edvin Wendel
Mr Olof Edvin Wendel
Who was Olof Edvin Wendel?
Mr Olof Edvin Wendel was a 20 (twenty) year-old Swedish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on May 2, 1891, in Östra Sallerup, Malmöhus (Skåne), Sweden, Wendel was one of the many hopeful immigrants seeking a new life in America when he boarded the ill-fated ship.
Early Life and Family Background
What was Olof Edvin Wendel’s family like?
Olof Edvin Wendel came from a working-class Swedish family. His parents were:
- Father: Per Olsson Wendel (born 1858), a bricklayer
- Mother: Karna Jönsdotter (born 1855)
Wendel was reportedly one of five children in the family. His known siblings included:
- Hilda Elina (born 1888)
- Erik (born 1896)
- Henning Hildegard (born 1898)
Growing up in a family of craftsmen and laborers, Olof followed in their footsteps, becoming a general labourer himself.
The Journey to a New Life
Why was Olof Edvin Wendel on the Titanic?
Olof Edvin Wendel was embarking on a life-changing journey from his hometown of Östra Sallerup to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he had relatives. This move was likely motivated by the promise of better opportunities in America, a common dream for many European immigrants of the time.
Key details of his Titanic journey:
- Travelling companion: August Nilsson, also from Östra Sallerup
- Embarkation point: Southampton
- Passenger class: Third Class
- Ticket number: 350416
- Ticket cost: £7 17s 1d
It is believed that Wendel and Nilsson travelled via Copenhagen, where they likely purchased their Titanic tickets.
The Fateful Night
What happened to Olof Edvin Wendel during the Titanic disaster?
On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Olof Edvin Wendel found himself in a perilous situation. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in the upper classes.
Tragically, both Wendel and his travelling companion, August Nilsson, perished in the disaster. Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified, leaving their families without closure.
Legacy and Compensation
In the aftermath of the Titanic disaster, various funds were set up to compensate the families of those lost. For the Wendel family:
| Date | Fund | Amount | Equivalent in Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 23, 1913 | Mansion House Fund | 418.83 Kr | £25 |
| December 17, 1914 | Damage claims | 1366.50 Kr | £75 |
| December 17, 1914 | Additional sum | 350.70 Kr | N/A |
Total compensation: 1717.20 Kr
This financial support, while unable to replace their lost son, would have provided some assistance to the grieving Wendel family.
A Life Cut Short
Olof Edvin Wendel’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 20 (twenty). Born in 1891, he died on April 15, 1912, never reaching his 21st birthday or realizing his dreams in America. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.
The loss of Olof Edvin Wendel, along with countless others, continues to resonate over a century later, underscoring the human cost of the Titanic tragedy and the unfulfilled potential of a generation of immigrants seeking a better life.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.