Letter clears 'blackguard of the Titanic'
He was one of the great blackguards of pre-First World War British society: Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon, the man who not only was said to have bought his way off the sinking Titanic, but then stopped his half-empty lifeboat from returning to pick up drowning passengers.
However, the history books might have to be rewritten. A letter discovered in a London attic appears to exonerate the Old Etonian baronet and fencing champion of either cowardice or callousness.
Travelling with Sir Cosmo and his wife, Lucy was Mabel Francatelli, Lady Duff Gordon's secretary. In a long letter written by Miss Francatelli from New York a few days after the sinking, she gives a vivid account of their escape and rescue. She also says that Sir Cosmo behaved with complete generosity and integrity.
Sir Cosmo, his wife and the secretary abandoned the Titanic with two other American passengers and seven stokers in an emergency lifeboat designed for 40 people...
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However, the history books might have to be rewritten. A letter discovered in a London attic appears to exonerate the Old Etonian baronet and fencing champion of either cowardice or callousness.
Travelling with Sir Cosmo and his wife, Lucy was Mabel Francatelli, Lady Duff Gordon's secretary. In a long letter written by Miss Francatelli from New York a few days after the sinking, she gives a vivid account of their escape and rescue. She also says that Sir Cosmo behaved with complete generosity and integrity.
Sir Cosmo, his wife and the secretary abandoned the Titanic with two other American passengers and seven stokers in an emergency lifeboat designed for 40 people...