Mr Wenzel Linhart

Who was Wenzel Linhart?

Wenzel Linhart was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Bohemian baker who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1884 in Lhota, Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic), Linhart’s journey on the ill-fated ship would become his final voyage.

Early Life and Background

From Bohemia to Austria

Wenzel Linhart was born in 1884 in the small town of Lhota, Bohemia. Following the death of his father, Linhart and his widowed mother, Katherina, relocated to Leopoldstadt, Vienna, Austria. It was in this vibrant city that Linhart honed his skills as a baker and pastry chef, establishing himself in a trade that would define his short life.

A Baker’s Ambition

In Vienna, Linhart worked diligently to perfect his craft. His profession as a baker and pastry chef likely exposed him to the rich culinary traditions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This experience may have inspired his decision to embark on a journey across the Atlantic, possibly in search of new opportunities in the burgeoning food industry of North America.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding at Southampton

On April 10, 1912, Wenzel Linhart boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton, England. He was among the many third-class passengers seeking a new life in America. Linhart’s ticket, number 345775, cost him £9 10s, a significant sum for a working-class individual of the time.

Life Onboard

During the voyage, Linhart shared cabin E58 on F-Deck with several other passengers, including:

This arrangement was typical for third-class male passengers, who often shared accommodations to reduce costs.

The Fateful Night

What happened to Wenzel Linhart during the Titanic disaster?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Wenzel Linhart, like many other third-class passengers, faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats. Despite his efforts, Linhart did not survive the sinking.

Recovery and Identification

Linhart’s body was later recovered by the cable ship Mackay Bennett, labeled as body number 298. The recovery report provided a detailed description:

NO. 298. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 32. HAIR, BROWN, LIGHT MOUSTACHE. CLOTHING - Grey suit; white shirt with large red and blue stripes. EFFECTS - Pocketbook; purse; 220 kronor and other bills and coins. NO MARKS. THIRD CLASS. NAME - WENZEL LINHART.

This poignant description offers a glimpse into Linhart’s final moments and the personal effects he carried with him.

Legacy and Aftermath

A Mother’s Quest for Answers

Following the disaster, Wenzel Linhart’s mother, Katherina, initially believed her son had joined the Titanic as a steward. Based on this assumption, she applied for compensation under the Workers Compensation Act. However, the London consul confirmed that Linhart was traveling as a passenger, not as crew, making his mother ineligible for that particular compensation.

Financial Support

Despite the setback, Katherina Linhart received £50 from the Titanic relief fund, a sum intended to provide some financial assistance to the families of those lost in the tragedy.

Final Resting Place

Wenzel Linhart’s body was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 8, 1912. His grave stands as a somber reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster.

Wenzel Linhart’s Place in Titanic History

Wenzel Linhart’s story, while tragic, provides valuable insight into the experiences of third-class passengers on the Titanic. His journey from Bohemia to Austria, and ultimately to his fate on the Titanic, illustrates the broader narrative of European migration in the early 20th century.

As one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster, Linhart’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy. His life, cut short at 28 (twenty-eight) years old, represents the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants who saw the Titanic as their gateway to a new life in America.