Master Robert Douglas Spedden

Who was Robert Douglas Spedden?

Robert Douglas Spedden was a young first-class passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on November 19, 1905, in New York City, he was the only child of Frederic Oakley Spedden and Daisy Spedden. At the time of the Titanic’s ill-fated voyage, Robert was just 6 (six) years old, making him one of the youngest passengers on board.

Early Life and Background

A Privileged Upbringing

Young Robert Douglas Spedden came from a wealthy American family:

• Born in New York City
• Lived in Tuxedo Park, NY
• Only child of Frederic Oakley Spedden and Margaretta Corning Spedden
• Accompanied by a private nurse, Elizabeth Burns (nicknamed “Muddie Boons”)

European Adventures

In late 1911, at the age of 6 (six), Robert embarked on a grand European adventure with his parents:

1. Sailed to Algiers on the Caronia
2. Traveled to Monte Carlo
3. Visited Paris

This extensive trip set the stage for the family’s fateful journey on the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the Unsinkable Ship

On April 10, 1912, the Spedden family boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France. Key details of their voyage include:

• Class: First Class
• Ticket Number: 16966
• Cabin: E40
• Fare: £134 10s

Robert was accompanied by his parents and his nurse, Elizabeth Margaret Burns, who played a crucial role in his survival.

What was life like for a child on the Titanic?

For a young boy like Robert, life on the Titanic must have been an exciting adventure. First-class accommodations provided luxurious amenities, and the ship’s vast decks offered plenty of space for exploration and play. Robert likely spent his days:

• Exploring the ship with his nurse
• Enjoying meals in the opulent first-class dining saloon
• Possibly meeting other children from wealthy families

The Night of the Disaster

A “Trip to See the Stars”

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14, 1912, Robert’s experience was uniquely childlike:

“Oh, Muddie, look at the beautiful North Pole with no Santa Claus on it.”

This innocent exclamation came after:

1. Being woken by his nurse, Elizabeth Burns
2. Told they were taking a “trip to see the stars”
3. Boarding Lifeboat 3 on the starboard side of the boat deck
4. Sleeping through the night of the sinking
5. Waking at dawn to see the icebergs

Robert, along with his family and nurse, survived the disaster and were rescued by the Carpathia.

Life After the Titanic

A Mother’s Gift: “My Story”

In 1913, Robert’s mother, Daisy Spedden, created a unique memento of their Titanic experience:

• Wrote and illustrated a storybook titled “My Story”
• Told from the perspective of Robert’s toy bear
• Described their European travels, the Titanic sinking, and the rescue
• Given to Robert as a Christmas gift

This heartwarming gesture shows how the family sought to process and memorialize their extraordinary experience.

A Tragically Short Life

How did Robert Douglas Spedden’s life end?

Sadly, Robert’s life was cut short just a few years after surviving the Titanic:

• Date: August 6, 1915
• Location: Grindstone Neck, Winter Harbor, Maine
• Incident: Struck by a car near the family’s summer camp
• Age at death: 9 (nine) years old
• Cause of death: Concussion, died two days after the accident

Final Resting Place

Despite his death certificate stating he would be buried in Tuxedo Park, New York, Robert Douglas Spedden’s final resting place is actually:

• Cemetery: Greenwood Cemetery
• Location: Brooklyn, New York

Legacy of a Young Titanic Survivor

Robert Douglas Spedden’s story encapsulates the tragedy and fascination surrounding the Titanic disaster. As one of the youngest survivors, his experience offers a unique perspective on the event. The storybook created by his mother serves as a touching historical artifact, preserving the memories of a child’s journey through one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Robert’s short life, bookended by two tragic events, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected turns it can take. His story continues to captivate Titanic enthusiasts and historians, offering a glimpse into the human side of the disaster through the eyes of a child.