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Lot #1648
Frank O. Evans

Rare pay slip from a surviving crewman for his six days of service aboard the Titanic

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Description

Rare pay slip from a surviving crewman for his six days of service aboard the Titanic

Partly-printed DS, filled out and signed in another hand on behalf of the Captain Edward J. Smith, one page, 7.5 x 9.5, May 13, 1912. A pay slip showing an account of wages for F. O. Evans for £5 for his six days of service between April 10 and April 15, 1912. The top of the document is filled in “Titanic” and “New York.” Underneath is Evans’ name, classification of “A[ble] B[odied],” dates of engagement and his rate of wage. In the column underneath lists his wages for six days as well as a bonus “26,” of £4.6.8.” Account is also signed at the bottom by a White Star employee. In good condition, with almost complete separations to fragile intersecting folds, several small areas of paper loss, scattered soiling and creases, and a few small areas of paper loss at intersection of folds.

Frank Oliver Evans was a 27-year-old able-bodied seaman onboard the Titanic. He was one of only 18 crew members who participated in the lifeboat drill on the morning of April 10 before the Titanic left Southampton. After the collision, he assisted in lowering several lifeboats on both sides of the ship, before being ordered into Lifeboat 10 by First Officer Murdoch. Lifeboat 10 later tied up with four other lifeboats, from which Evans reported seeing the Titanic break in two. He was transferred to Lifeboat 14 by Fifth Officer Lowe, and was one of the crewmen who returned to the site of the sinking to search for survivors. They pulled four from the water, and later rescued the survivors on top of the capsized Collapsible B and swamped Collapsible A. Evans later testified at the U.S. Senate Investigative Committee, a transcription of which is available online on the Titanic Inquiry Project website (click to view). Able seamen onboard the Titanic were paid £5 per month, and after returning to England, Evans received his pay for the six days he worked on the ship before the April 15 disaster. Like other crew members, he received a bonus accounting for the 26 days it presumably took him from the time of sinking to return to England. A remarkable document from one of the few surviving crew members.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #385 - Ended April 26, 2012