Mr Redžo Delalić

Who was Redžo Delalić?

Redžo Delalić was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old Bosnian laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, Delalić’s story represents the hopes and dreams of many immigrants seeking a better life in America, only to have their journey cut short by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Background

A Bosnian Laborer’s Ambitions

Born in 1887 in Krupa, Bosnia (then part of Austria-Hungary), Redžo Delalić worked as a general laborer. Like many others from his region, he sought opportunities abroad, setting his sights on Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the United States.

Family Ties

While little is known about Delalić’s early life, we do know that he was married and had a father named Dsofo Delalić, who resided in Bosne-Krupe. This familial connection would later play a role in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster.

The Titanic Journey

How did Redžo Delalić come to be on the Titanic?

Redžo Delalić embarked on his fateful journey by boarding the Titanic at Southampton, England. He purchased his third-class ticket through an agent named Viktor Klaus-Wildi in Buchs, Switzerland, for the considerable sum of 293 Swiss francs, equivalent to £7 17s 11d.

Travel Companions

Delalić did not travel alone. He was accompanied by three other Bosnians from the same area:

This group of four friends likely provided each other with support and companionship during what they hoped would be an exciting journey to a new life.

The Fateful Night

What happened to Redžo Delalić during the Titanic’s sinking?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Redžo Delalić, like many third-class passengers, faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats. Tragically, he did not survive the disaster.

“Redžo Delalić died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This stark statement encapsulates the fate of many victims of the Titanic disaster, whose final resting place remains the cold depths of the North Atlantic.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Redžo Delalić remembered today?

While Redžo Delalić’s life was cut short, his memory, along with those of his fellow Bosnian passengers, has been preserved in several ways:

Financial Compensation: His father, Dsofo Delalić, received £60 as compensation for the loss of his son.
Memorial in Bosanska Krupa: On the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking in 2012, a memorial was erected in Bosanska Krupa to honor the four Bosnians, including Delalić, who perished in the disaster.
Historical Records: Delalić’s name and story have been preserved in Titanic passenger lists and historical databases, ensuring that future generations can learn about his life and the circumstances of his death.

The Impact of Redžo Delalić’s Story

Redžo Delalić’s tragic tale is more than just a statistic in the Titanic’s list of victims. It represents the broader narrative of early 20th-century immigration and the risks many were willing to take for a chance at a better life. His story, intertwined with those of his fellow Bosnian travelers, highlights the diverse backgrounds of the Titanic’s passengers and the far-reaching impact of the disaster on communities around the world.

As we remember Redžo Delalić, we are reminded of the hopes, dreams, and lives cut short on that fateful night in April 1912. His legacy lives on through memorials, historical records, and the continued fascination with the Titanic’s story, ensuring that the memory of this young Bosnian laborer and his fellow passengers will never be forgotten.