Master Philip AKS

Who was Master Philip AKS?

Master Philip AKS, also known as Frank or Filly, was a 0 (zero) year-old English passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on June 7, 1911, in London, England, Philip was one of the youngest survivors of the tragic maritime disaster.

Early Life and Background

What was Philip AKS’s family background?

Philip AKS was born into a family of Polish immigrants:

Father: Sam Aks (1891-1970), a tailor from Łódź
Mother: Leah Rosen (1891-1967), from Warsaw

His parents had married the year before his birth and settled in England. Prior to Philip’s birth, the family lived at 198 St George Street, St George in the East, London, where his father worked as a trouser machinist.

The Journey to America

Why did the AKS family embark on the Titanic?

The AKS family’s Titanic journey was part of a larger plan to reunite and start a new life in America:

Sam Aks left England in January 1912, sailing to New York aboard the Cymric
He worked as a tailor in Norfolk, Virginia, saving money for his family
Leah and Philip boarded the Titanic as third-class passengers to join Sam in America

Titanic Ticket Details:

Ticket Number: 392091
Fare: £9 7s (9 pounds, 7 shillings)
Port of Embarkation: Southampton

The Fateful Night

What happened to Philip and Leah during the Titanic’s sinking?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, a heart-wrenching scene unfolded:

When the work of rescue began, mother and child were separated, and the baby was dropped over the side of the liner into the lap of a woman who had just been lowered into a lifeboat. Frantic over the loss of her little son, the mother was placed in another small craft, and was transferred to the Carpathia, convinced that the infant that had been sleeping beside her a few hours before would never be seen again.

Philip, barely 10 months old, was rescued in lifeboat 11 under the care of stewardess Mary Keziah Roberts. His mother, Leah Aks, was placed in a different lifeboat, leading to a temporary but terrifying separation.

Reunion and New Life in America

How did Philip’s life unfold after the Titanic disaster?

The joyous reunion of mother and son occurred aboard the rescue ship Carpathia. Upon arriving in New York, the family settled in Norfolk, Virginia, where Philip’s life took shape:

Gained two siblings: Sarah Carpathia (b. 1913) and Harry (b. 1915)
Attended Henry Clay School
Showed patriotic spirit by selling war savings stamps during World War I
Worked various jobs, including auto mechanic and salesman
Married Marie Miller in a unique double ceremony (civil and religious)
Had two daughters: Barbara Jean (b. 1930) and Joyce Fern (1933-1996)

Philip AKS’s Later Years and Legacy

How did the Titanic shape Philip’s adult life?

The Titanic remained a significant part of Philip’s life:

Owned a large collection of Titanic memorabilia
His collection was displayed at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News until 1996
Member of the Titanic Historical Society
Attended Titanic conventions in the 1980s
Special guest at showings of Titanic-related films with his mother

Community Involvement

Philip was active in his local community:

Member of Beth El Temple
Member of Khedive Shrine Temple
Member of Jewish Community Centre
Freemason (Masonic Lodge I)

Final Years

Frank Philip AKS passed away on July 15, 1991, at the age of 80 (eighty) due to heart failure. He was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, survived by his wife Marie, who passed away on January 27, 2003.

As one of the youngest survivors of the Titanic, Philip AKS’s life story serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of the disaster and the resilience of those who lived to tell the tale.

Philip Aks