The Aristocrat and the Able Seaman

The Countess of Rothes, Thomas Jones, and the Tragedy of Titanic

When Able Seaman Thomas Jones put the Aristocrat, Noël Rothes, at the tiller of his lifeboat an unlikely working relationship began

‘An important and moving contribution to the study of the Titanic.' - Gareth Russell, author of The Ship of Dreams

As Titanic left Southampton in 1912, neither the aristocrat nor the able seaman could have imagined they would end up navigating a tiny lifeboat together at night among towering icebergs. But when Thomas Jones realised Noël Rothes’ calm capability, he put her at the tiller of his boat, and for seven long hours they did all they could to shepherd twenty-five other people to safety. Their ordeal forged an unlikely rapport that lasted until Noël died in 1956.

Drawing on contemporary sources, personal papers and letters, Angela Young, Noël’s great-granddaughter, brings their incredible story to light – a story of courage in the face of unthinkable tragedy.

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