Mr Thomas Francis McCaffry

Who was Thomas Francis McCaffry?

Thomas Francis McCaffry was a 46 (forty-six) year-old Canadian banker who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a first-class passenger, McCaffry’s story intertwines with the luxury and ultimately the disaster that befell the infamous ship on its maiden voyage.

Early Life and Banking Career

A Canadian Banker’s Rise to Success

Born on February 5, 1866, in Three Rivers, Quebec, Thomas Francis McCaffry was of Irish-Scots descent. Contrary to some reports, he was not born in Ireland. McCaffry’s parents were James McCaffry and Mary Ann Campbell, and he grew up in Montreal alongside his two sisters, Annie and Mary Eva.

McCaffry’s banking career began humbly but quickly progressed:

• Started as a junior at the Union Bank of Canada in Three Rivers
• Became a clerk in Montreal in 1885
• Rose through the ranks to manage the Union Bank in Neepawa, Manitoba
• Moved to Winnipeg in 1897 to manage another branch

It was during his time in Winnipeg that McCaffry formed a friendship with Thomson Beattie, a connection that would later lead them to travel together on the Titanic.

Vancouver and Career Advancement

McCaffry’s career took an interesting turn in 1900:

1. Resigned from the Union Bank to move to Vancouver
2. Managed the gold assay office opened by the Dominion Government
3. In 1907, became manager of the newly opened Vancouver branch of the Union Bank

This progression demonstrates McCaffry’s expertise in banking and his value to the Union Bank of Canada.

Pre-Titanic Travels

Middle Eastern Adventures

In early 1912, McCaffry embarked on an extensive tour of the Middle East and Europe with his friends Thomson Beattie and John Hugo Ross. Their journey included:

• Eastward crossing on the Franconia
• Arrival in Cairo around February 10
• A side trip up the Nile to Luxor and Aswan
• Departure from Cairo on February 23, heading to Naples

These travels showcase McCaffry’s adventurous spirit and his enjoyment of exploring different cultures.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding the Ill-Fated Ship

McCaffry and his friends booked first-class passage on the Titanic, boarding at Cherbourg on the evening of April 10, 1912. Key details of his Titanic journey include:

• Ticket Number: 13050
• Cabin: C-6, shared with Thomson Beattie
• Fare: £75 4s 10d

The cabin C-6 was a forward cabin with a window that looked out directly upon the base of an electric crane.

What Happened to McCaffry During the Sinking?

As the Titanic began to sink, McCaffry and Beattie were likely on the roof beside the last available raft, Collapsible A. In a tragic turn of events, Beattie managed to make it into the boat, but McCaffry did not survive.

Recovery and Burial

McCaffry’s body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, listed as body #292. The description of his remains and effects provides a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

McCaffry’s body was delivered to E.E. Code on May 2, 1912, and sent to Montreal for burial in Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery. His final resting place is marked by a large granite tombstone, paid for by the bank he had served so diligently throughout his career.

Legacy of a Canadian Banker

Thomas Francis McCaffry’s life and tragic death aboard the Titanic serve as a reminder of the many accomplished individuals who were lost in the disaster. His career in banking, from humble beginnings to managing significant branches, demonstrates his skill and dedication to his profession.

McCaffry’s story is not just one of a Titanic victim, but of a Canadian banker who lived a life of adventure and professional success. His travels through the Middle East and Europe in the months leading up to the Titanic voyage paint a picture of a man who embraced new experiences and cultures.

The recovery of his body and the detailed list of his personal effects provide a tangible connection to the man behind the passenger number, offering insights into his personal style and the items he valued enough to carry with him on his final journey.

Today, Thomas Francis McCaffry is remembered not only as one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster, but as a respected Canadian banker whose life was cut short at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy of professional achievement and a tale of friendship and tragedy on the high seas.