RMS Aquitania Passenger List - 28 July 1937
Front Cover of a Cabin Class Passenger List from the RMS Aquitania of the Cunard Line, Departing 28 July 1937 from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain Captain R. B. IRVING, O.B.E., R.D., R.N.R. GGA Image ID # 20be505ba2
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain R. B. IRVING, O.B.E., R.D., R.N.R.
- Staff-Captain: C. H. BATE, R.D., R.N.R.
- Chief Engineer: J. A. Bell
- Staff Chief Engineer: J. Campbell
- Surgeon: J. Hill
- Assistant Surgeon: A. E. Phillips
- Chief Officer: H. R. Oulsnam, R.D., R.N.R.
- Purser: F. E. Owen
- Staff Purser: A. R. Holmes
- Chief Steward: R. E. B. Robertson
Cabin Class Passengers
- Mr. E. P. Adler
- Mr. P. D. Adler
- Mrs. Adler
- Dr. Harvey Agnew
- Mr. Alfred L. Aiken
- Mrs. Aiken
- Mr. Paul Van Anda
- Miss Ellen G. Anderson
- Mr. Charles Aronstam
- Mr. Walter L. Badger
- Dr. Josephine Baker
- Dr. Harry Bakwin
- Dr. Ruth M. Bakwin
- Miss Patricia A. Bakwin
- Miss Barbara S. Bakwin
- Master Michael Bakwin
- Master Edward M. Bakwin and Nurse
- Mrs. Barnyard
- Miss Helen C. Bardons
- Mr. Clifford W. Bears
- Mrs. Bears
- Miss E. F. Bender
- Miss Bingham
- Mr. Donald Bottomley
- Mrs. Bottom ley
- Mr. Eustace H E. Bourchier
- Mrs. Bourchier
- Miss Elizabeth Bourchier
- Mr. R. A. Brabner, L.C.C.
- Mrs. Hamilton Bradshaw
- Miss Gertrude Brodbeck
- Mrs. L. R. Brook
- Mr. Harry Brown
- Miss Dorothy Bryce
- Miss M. I. Bullis
- Mrs. Carl Bullock
- Mrs. Hermon Butler
- Mr. S. J. Campbell
- Mrs. Campbell
- Mr. Leslie Carver
- Mr. Leo Chertok
- Mrs. Chertok
- Mrs. Campbell Clark and Maid
- Mr. J. S. Clegg
- The Rev. A. C. Coburn
- Dr. Joseph Collins and Manservant
- Mr. James S. Collins
- Mrs. Collins
- Mr. Julius W. Cone
- Mr. Edward T. Cone
- Mrs. J. P. Crozer
- Mrs. S. P. Davidge
- Miss Audrey Davies
- Miss Jane E. Dean
- Mr. Leo C. Delaney
- Mrs. Delaney
- Mr. Patrick W. Donner, M.P.
- Mr. George W. Dumont
- Mrs. Dumont
- Mr. Donald Dumont
- Miss Jane H. Dumont
- Miss Elfleda M. Dunham
- Mr. Christopher Dunphy
- Mrs. Dunphy
- Mr. G. F. Earle
- Mrs. E. Edwards
- Mr. Alexander H. Elder
- Mrs. Elder
- Mr. Howard Ellis
- Mrs. Ellis
- Mrs. John W. Elmes
- Miss Elizabeth Embler
- Dr. James Ewing
- Miss D. E. Falconer
- Miss Mae G. Fealy
- Mr. R. G. V. Fear
- Mrs. Fear
- Mr. William D. Felder
- Mr. George C. Field, Jr.
- Mrs. Field
- Dr. M. A. Fishberg
- Mrs. Fishberg
- Miss M. Foldesi
- Mr. V. G. B. Forrester
- Mrs. Forrester
- Mrs. C. M. Frey
- Miss Martha A. Frey
- Mr. C. N. Fuess
- Mrs. Fuess
- Mrs. M. Furley
- Mr. Richard M. Gipson
- Mr. Goldberg
- Mr. A. Graham
- Miss Sarah Rodes Graham
- Mr. I. M. S. Grant
- Mr. E. I. Hanlon
- Mr. Gordon Hardy
- Mrs. Hardy
- Mr. H. H. Harvey
- Mrs. Harvey
- Miss Ruth Harvey
- Mr. H. C. Heisler
- Mr. George K. Helbert
- Mrs. Helbert
- Mr. Charles M. Heller
- Mr. F. S. Hetherington, Jr.
- Miss M. D. Hickman
- Miss S. Higgins
- Miss Jacqueline Horner
- Mr. Charles B. Howland
- Miss May Humphrey
- The Right Hon. Lady Huntingfield
- Mr. Risley G. Hunt
- Mrs. Hunt
- Mr. Seager Hunt
- Mrs. Hunt
- Master C. S. Hunt
- Miss E. A. Hunt
- Mr. R. G. Hunt
- Miss Helen Jacobs
- Mr. W. T. Jones
- Mrs. Jones
- Miss E. M. Jones
- Mr. Joseph Katz
- Mrs. Katz
- Mr. Arthur W. Kelly
- Miss A. Kennedy
- Mr. William J. Kent
- Mrs. Kent
- Miss Doris L. Kent
- Mr. Raymond J. Kerner
- Mrs. Herbert T. King
- Mr. H. S. Law
- Mr. R. A. Lancaster
- Captain C. Langer
- Mr. C. C. Langer
- Mrs. Law
- Mr. Clarence L. Lersler
- Mrs. Lersler
- Mr. Edward Leslie
- Dr. E. S. L'Esperance
- Mr. F. S. Little
- Miss Nell Lynch
- Mrs. C. Maclnnes
- Mr. Maxwell Magnus
- Miss Helen Markel
- Sister Mary Vincent
- Sister Mary Ignatius
- Sister Mary Loyola
- Miss Gertrude E. Mason
- Mr. Denton Massey
- Mrs. Massey
- The Hon. Sir Walter Massy-Greene, K.C.M.G
- Mr. A. B. Maynard
- Mrs. Maynard
- Miss Lyndon McCarroll
- Mr. Dean McClure
- Mrs. E. McCoy
- Mr. R. George McCuish
- Mrs. McCuish
- Mr. J. E. McDonell
- Mr. Frederick McEwan
- Mrs. McEwan
- Miss Dorothy McEwan
- Miss Winifred McEwan
- The Rev. Oliver W. Means
- Mrs. Means
- Mr. Oliver W. Means, Jr.
- Mrs. Karl A. Meyer
- Miss Nancy R. Meyer
- Mr. G. Planton Middleton
- Mrs. Middleton
- Mr. William E. Mikell, Jr.
- Mr. Moldrep
- Mrs. Moldrep
- Mr. A. L. Mooney
- Mr. M un roe Moore
- Mr. James Morgan
- Mrs. Morgan
- Miss Joan Morphy
- Mr. J. W. Murray
- Mr. George Newman
- Mrs. John Noble
- Mrs. N. Oliver
- Mrs. J. P. Ord and Maid
- Miss S. Ord
- Mr. Homen W. Orvis
- Mrs. Orvis
- Mr. A. A. Oswald
- Miss Ann Owen
- Miss A. Owen
- Mrs. Paul
- Dr. Louise Pearce
- Mr. E. T. B. Penman
- Mr. James B. Perkins, Sr.
- Mr. James B. Perkins, Jr.
- Miss Elizabeth H. Perkins
- Mr. Ralph Peters, Jr.
- Mrs. Peters
- Miss Helene L. Peters
- Mr. Holman D. Pettibone
- Mr. Henry H. Pierce
- Mrs. Pierce and Maid
- Mrs. Walter B. Platt
- Mr. Russell A. Plimpton
- Dr. Marian Plocki
- Mr. Alfred Poliak
- Mrs. Poliak
- Mrs. C. Polstein
- Miss Catherine Preble
- Mr. Neil D. Preston
- Mrs. Preston
- Mr. P. Prince
- Mrs. Prince
- Miss Vera Prince
- Mr. George Prince
- Mr. Thomas E. Quisenberry
- Mrs. Quisenberry
- Miss Pattie Quisenberry
- Mr. John Quisenberry
- Miss Agnes Quisenberry
- Miss Helen Quisenberry
- Mr. Max B. Rabin
- Miss Priscilla Rawson
- Mr. W. W. Renwick
- Mr. D. Robertson
- Mrs. Robertson
- Mr. H. Marshall Robertson
- Mr. H. M. Robertson
- Miss Sally Rodes
- Miss Pearl Rosenthal
- Mr. William Rowe
- Dr. Theodore Russell
- Miss Edith S. Safe
- Mr. A. S. Schaffer
- Dr. Isabel Scharnagel
- Mrs. F. P. Schellenger
- Mr. William A. Schneider
- Mrs. Schneider
- Miss Josephine Seddon
- Mrs. Henry R. Shipman
- Mr. Harry Shires
- Mr. H. Shires
- Mr. H. F. Simmons
- Mr. Vaclao Skala
- Mrs. Skala
- Mrs. Arthur Hall Smith
- Mr. F. B. Spencer
- Mr. A. C. Stair
- Mrs. W. A. M. Stawell
- Master W. Bowring Stawell
- Miss Frances H. Stern
- Mr. Isaac R. Stewart
- Mrs. Stewart
- Miss Marguerite St. George- Smith
- Miss Elizabeth Stine
- Miss May Strang
- Mrs. Adolph Stuber
- Miss Marjorie Stuber
- Countess Laszlo Szechenyl
- Mrs. Tenk
- Miss Ruth Tenk
- Mr. Nelson Tevander
- Mr. Cecil Venner
- Mr. Arthur S. Vernay
- Mrs. Vernay
- Mr. John T. Ward
- Mrs. Ralph Waterbury
- Mr. Roger Wentworth
- Sir George Wilkinson
- Lady Wilkinson
- Mr. L. D. Wilkinson
- Miss E. Wilkinson
- Miss P. M. H. Wilkinson
- Miss S. Willan
- Miss T. Wilson
- Mr. E. W. Wilson
- Mrs. George Wood
- Miss Helen Wood
- Mr. George R. Woods
- Mrs. Woods
- Mrs. O. Woolfe
- Miss Patricia Worrall
- Miss I. A. R. Wylie
- Mrs. O. C. Yingling
- Mr. Orvis C. Yingling
- Mr. Arthur A. Zucker
- Mrs. Zucker
- Mrs. Henry F. Zwicken
- Mrs. H. F. Zwicker
REFUND OF UNITED STATES HEAD TAX
Under revised United States Government regulations Head Tax paid at the time of booking by passengers holding visitors' visas (Section 3. paragraph 2) and Canadian, Mexican, etc., domiciled citizens (who do not require vise for temporary admission to the U.S.A.), is refundable only when passengers obtain from the U.S. Immigration Inspector at port of arrival a Certificate of Exemption confirming that they are not assessed for Head Tax.
These Certificates of Exemption are only issued to passengers who satisfy the U.S. Immigration Inspector (whose decision is final) that they do not intend to remain in the United States longer than 60 days, and to facilitate immediate refund of Head Tax to such passengers the Purser will also furnish them with a separate receipt for Head Tax.
Unless a Certificate of Exemption is obtained from the U.S. Immigration Inspector Head Tax cannot be refunded even though passengers eventually depart from the United States within the 60 days limit.
Transit Passengers holding U.S. transit vise (Section 3, paragraph 3) who fail to satisfy the U.S. Immigration Inspector that they will depart from the United States within 60 days (thus not being able to obtain Certificate of Exemption), who have not already paid Head Tax will be required to pay the Head Tax to the Purser prior to disembarkation.
General Information for Passengers
MEALS will be served as follows:
- BREAKFAST from 8:00 a.m.
- LUNCHEON from 1:00 p.m.
- DINNER: from 7:30 p.m.
AUTOMOBILES. In order to facilitate Customs clearance uncrated automobiles must be included on the U.S. Declaration Form.
BAGGAGE. Questions relating to Baggage should be referred to the Purser or ship's Baggage Master.
U.S. Customs. All passengers are required to make a declaration of personal baggage for the U.S. Customs authorities at New York. Blank declaration forms are obtainable from the Purser. Returning residents of the United States must declare all articles acquired abroad but wearing apparel and personal effects taken overseas from the U.S. in the first case are entitled to be passed free of duty upon return.
An exemption of $I00.00 worth of purchases is allowed each returning resident, subject to certain conditions which will be detailed by the Customs officer. Visitors may take in free of duty wearing apparel and personal effects not intended for sale, but must declare all articles not included in this category. Severe penalties are imposed upon persons who make false declarations as to value, ownership or use of articles or who attempt to bribe or recompense a Customs officer.
Customs Examination. All articles liable to Customs duty must be declared. Any passenger who is in doubt should see the Purser or Baggage Master who will provide the latest information available.
On arrival baggage will be grouped alphabetically in Customs shed for examination. To help the passing and claiming of baggage passengers should have one of the Company's labels, bearing the initial letter of their surname, affixed to each piece.
The bedroom stewards have a supply of these labels and will affix them prior to landing.
It is for passengers themselves to see that all their baggage is passed by the Customs authorities on landing, and they are specially requested to claim their baggage before leaving the Customs shed, otherwise delay and extra charges for carriage will be incurred in forwarding to destination any baggage not accompanying passengers directly from the ship.
Checking baggage on arrival at New York. Facilities are available whereby passengers may arrange with the ship's Baggage Master for the transfer of their baggage from the Company's pier in New York to any point in Greater New York, Jersey City and Hoboken, including railroad terminals, hotels, residences, express companies or warehouses.
Passengers are thus relieved of this detail after disembarking. Rates and further information regarding this service can be obtained at the Purser's office.
Baggage in Bond. Passengers en route to destinations outside the U.S.A. may have their checked baggage forwarded " In Bond " to a frontier point under Customs manifest without examination of the contents by a Customs officer at New York. The Purser or Baggage Master will be pleased to supply information.
Baggage Insurance. Passengers are recommended to insure their baggage as the Company's liability is strictly limited in accordance with the terms of the passage contract. Baggage Insurance carrying worldwide cover can be arranged through the Purser's office.
BANKING—FOREIGN MONEY EXCHANGE. A branch of the Midland Bank is available on board the ship where passengers wishing to exchange money, or transact other banking business will receive every attention.
CATERING. Passengers are invited to advise the Restaurant Manager or Head Waiter of their preference in the matter of diet and cooking and they can be assured of every attention to their wishes. Cooks of various nationalities are included in the kitchen personnel. It is suggested that passengers order their meals in advance, and the aforementioned officials will readily assist passengers in making their choice.
CUISINE. Nous demandons aux passagers de bien vouloir faire connaître au Directeur du Restaurant ou au Maître d'Hôtel leur préférence comme cuisine ou régime; la plus grande attention sera apportée à leur donner satisfaction. Le personnel des cuisines comprend des Chefs de diverses nationalités. Les passagers sont invités à bien vouloir commander leur menu à l'avance, les maîtres d'hôtel sont à leur entière disposition pour les guider dans leur choix.
CHEQUES. Passengers are advised that the Purser cannot accept private cheques.
CHANGES IN ACCOMMODATION. The Purser alone is authorized to make changes in accommodation and may only do so on payment of any difference in fare which may be required according to the Company's current tariffs.
COMPLAINTS. Passengers entertaining any cause for complaint are requested to communicate particulars to a responsible officer in the ship, so that an opportunity may be afforded to adjust matters.
DECK CHAIRS, CUSHIONS AND RUGS are available for hire and can be obtained through the Deck Steward at the price of 5/- each article. (Each rug is contained in a sealed envelope and bears a serial number worked into the material, thus enabling passengers to identify their own rugs).
DOGS. Passengers are notified that dogs should be handed over to the care of the live-stock attendant and that they are not allowed in Public Rooms or on the Passenger Decks.
FIRE PRECAUTIONS. Passengers are specially requested to exercise care in disposing of cigar and cigarette ends and matches and to make use of the receptacles provided for the purpose in the different parts of the ship, in view of the serious consequences which can arise from carelessness in this respect. Throwing lighted cigarettes, etc., overboard should also be avoided.
FIRE AND LIFEBOAT STATIONS. Passengers are earnestly requested to acquaint themselves with the notice in the staterooms regarding lifeboat and fire stations.
The Captain specially appeals to passengers to assist him by promptly mustering at their appointed stations at all times when passenger boat station muster is being held. Only by immediate attendance at this important muster car passengers obtain the necessary instructions which are so vital to the well-being of all on board. The co-operation of every passenger is earnestly desired.
HAIRDRESSING SALOONS. Situated on " B " Deck are fully equipped with modern appliances for the treatment of the hair.
IMPORTATION OF LIQUOR. A considerable quantity of liquor Imported in the baggage of passengers is purchased "in bond" at a price below the regular market value in the country of purchase and for that reason attention is called to the fact by the Collector, U.S. Customs Service, that the above market value must be ascertained and declared by the passenger instead of the price actually paid.
LANDING ARRANGEMENTS. The Purser will furnish passengers with a small card, detailing the landing arrangements, before arrival.
LANDING CARDS. It is necessary that passengers present their landing cards, together with passports to the immigration Inspector for endorsement before leaving the ship.
LIBRARY. The ship has a fully-equipped library and passengers are invited to borrow the volumes—no charge will be made.
PASSENGERS' MAIL.
Inward and Outward Steamers. Passengers expecting urgent letters or telegrams should notify the Purser's Office. For the convenience of passengers, telegrams and postal matter are received aboard and distributed but without any responsibility whatsoever on the part of Cunard White Star Limited for non-delivery, mis-delivery or delay.
It will assist the system of delivery if letters are endorsed prominently in the top left-hand corner " Passengers' Mail " and addressed care of Cunard White Star at port of departure or arrival and also bear the following particulars:
- Name of passenger (in full)
- Class of Travel (Inward or Outward)
- Passenger per (name of ship)
- Date of departure or arrival.
Accommodation Addresses. When it is desired to use any of the Company's Offices as accommodation addresses, it is essential that the envelopes be endorsed prominently in the top left-hand corner " Passengers' Mail, to await instructions " and be addressed care of the appropriate Cunard White Star Office or Agency.
PASSAGE TICKETS. Passengers are requested to hand their passage tickets to their bedroom stewards as soon as possible after embarkation.
PAYMENTS. Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company's form for any payments made on board for additional passage money, rugs, chairs, excess baggage, etc.
PORTHOLES. As it is dangerous for passengers to handle the ports they are requested to ask the bedroom steward to open and close the ports in the staterooms as may be desired.
PROFESSIONAL GAMBLERS are reported as frequently travelling in Atlantic ships and passengers are warned to take precautions accordingly.
RADIO TELEPHONE SERVICE. Passengers can speak from this ship to practically any part of the world.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Rates per call of three minutes or less: £1-16-0. Each extra minute: 12/-
New York
Rates per call of three minutes or less: $9.00. Each extra minute: $3.00.
The above rates are increased when the vessel is more than half way across the Atlantic, the rate to Great Britain being £3-12-0 (three minutes) plus £1 - 4-0 each extra minute in the case of a westbound ship, and $18.00 (three minutes) plus $6.00 each extra minute to New York when the vessel is eastbound.
RADIO AND CABLE MESSAGES. Information and rates will be supplied by the Radio office.
RADIO RECEIVERS AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.
Private radio receivers or other electrical apparatus must not be operated or connected to the ship's electrical supply circuits without official approval, application for which should be made to the Purser. Passengers using loud-speakers are requested to avoid disturbing their fellow passengers.
RETURN ACCOMMODATION. For the convenience of those passengers who may be returning from the United States or Canada to Europe and who have not yet made the necessary arrangements the Purser will be pleased to radio for any accommodation required. This will enable passengers to complete their arrangements before leaving the ship and will consequently save them time and trouble after landing.
ROTARIANS travelling by this ship are invited to inspect the Rotary Register at the Purser's office and subscribe their names. The Purser will be glad, providing circumstances permit, to arrange an informal meeting during the voyage.
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR ROUND TRIP PASSENGERS.
All passengers holding return tickets are requested to communicate with the most convenient Company's office, if possible at least a week in advance of their intended sailing from the United States or Canada, so that the necessary formalities may be arranged in connection with their passage.
If for any reason the holder of a return ticket should be unable to travel by the sailing shown thereon, immediate advice should be given to the nearest Company's office, so that any accommodation held can be released and new reservation made in sailing selected.
DEPARTURE FROM AMERICA—U.S. SAILING PERMIT.
All passengers other than U.S. citizens require to obtain a sailing permit or income tax clearance prior to departure from the United States. This document can be obtained without difficulty from the Collector of Internal Revenue in each district, or on personal application, with passport and passage ticket a day or two before sailing, at Room 131, U.S. Custom House, foot of Broadway, New York City.
STEWARDS SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGES. Stewards speaking a number of European languages are available for the convenience of passengers and may be identified by the badge worn on the lapel of their coat bearing the flag of the country and the language of which they speak.
THE SURGEON is authorized to make customary charges for his services, subject to the approval of the Captain.
A REGISTERED NURSE is on board, whose services are available as necessary under the direction of the ship's Surgeon.
TAXICABS are no longer permitted by the New York City Authorities to enter any City pier properties for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers or baggage. The taxicab facilities heretofore provided on arrival day inside the pier are, therefore, no longer available. Passengers desiring taxicabs upon arrival at New York are now required to go outside the pier and make their own transportation arrangements.
Passengers are warned against using the services of unauthorized porters and baggage transfer men outside the pier gates in New York. Reliable baggage transfer men are available inside the piers. Authorized porters wear " Cunard White Star " blouses which are numbered.
TRAVEL INFORMATION. The Pursers office is at the disposal of passengers for furnishing detailed information concerning steamer, rail or air connections and arrangements can be made for tickets and reservations to be obtained.
VALUABLES. In their own interests passengers are advised not to leave articles of jewelry and other valuables lying about. Articles not required for frequent wear may be deposited with the Purser and will be placed in an envelope sealed in the presence of the passenger for custody in the ship's safe. A receipt will be given but no liability as to contents can be accepted.
Passengers are advised to protect themselves by insurance, which can be arranged on board on application to the Purser.
VALETING SERVICE. A clothes pressing room, in charge of an expert attendant, is provided and work of this kind will be carried out for passengers at the following charges:
GENTLEMEN
- Lounge and dress suits: 4s. 0d.
- Lounge and dress coats: 2s. 0d.
- Trousers and breeches: 2s. 0d.
- Overcoats—heavy: 4s. 0d.
- Overcoats—light: 3s. 0d.
LADIES
- Suits, costumes, coats, frocks or dresses: 4s. 0d.
- Dress coats and plain cloaks: 4s. 0d.
- Skirts: 2s. 0d.
- Special charges for garments—velvet, silk, or pleated fancy dress, blouses and scarves.
Title Page, RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, 28 July 1937. GGA Image ID # 20bf11d545
Aquitania Color Sketch, RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, 28 July 1937. GGA Image ID # 20bfa1bac9
Senior Officers and Staff, RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, 28 July 1937. GGA Image ID # 20bfa2ab17
Advertisement: Cruises from America 1938. Ships Included the Berengaria, Britannic, Carinthia, and Georgic. RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, 28 July 1937. GGA Image ID # 20bfba4fd4
Westbound Sailing Schedule, Cunard White Star Vessels, from 28 July 1937 to 6 October 1937. Ships Included the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Ascania, Athenia, Aquitania, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Letitia, Queen Mary, Samaria, and Scythia. RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, 28 July 1937. GGA Image ID # 20bfda234f
Eastbound Sailing Schedule, Cunard White Star Vessels, from 28 July 1937 to 6 October 1937. Ships Included the Alaunia, Andania, Antonia, Ascania, Athenia, Aquitania, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Letitia, Queen Mary, Samaria, and Scythia. RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, 28 July 1937. GGA Image ID # 20bfdeea90
Advertisement: SS Franconia World Cruise 1938. RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, 28 July 1937. GGA Image ID # 20bfdfb3df
Passenger List Images Contributed by Chris Crofts, December 2023-January 2024.
Passenger List Additional Information
RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, 28 July 1937
Provenance: From the prestigious Chris Crofts Collection.
Description
An exquisite artifact from the golden age of ocean liner travel, this RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List, dated 28 July 1937, is a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of transatlantic voyages aboard Cunard Line’s illustrious vessels. The artifact, in Good condition, features a richly detailed cover design, evoking the elegance synonymous with the RMS Aquitania, known as the "Ship Beautiful."
This passenger list documents a westbound voyage from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, captained by the esteemed Captain R. B. Irving, O.B.E., R.D., R.N.R., whose distinguished service exemplifies Cunard's standards of excellence.
Notable VIP Travelers
The passenger roster boasts an array of prominent individuals spanning the fields of science, politics, art, and philanthropy. Below is a selection of distinguished travelers whose presence underscores the ship’s reputation as a floating salon of society’s elite:
-
Dr. Josephine Baker
A pioneering public health official in the United States, Dr. Baker is renowned for her revolutionary work in child welfare and hygiene, making her a highly significant figure in the advancement of modern public health systems. -
The Hon. Sir Walter Massy-Greene, K.C.M.G.
An eminent Australian statesman and businessman, Sir Walter's presence signifies the ship’s appeal to international dignitaries and influential figures in global politics and economics. -
Dr. James Ewing
A trailblazer in cancer research and the namesake of Ewing's sarcoma, Dr. Ewing’s voyage highlights the cross-Atlantic exchange of medical advancements during this era. -
Countess Laszlo Szechenyl
A member of Hungarian nobility, the Countess represents the ship’s appeal to European aristocracy, offering a window into pre-WWII continental society. -
Dr. Louise Pearce
A pioneering female pathologist and one of the first women to make significant contributions to tropical medicine, Dr. Pearce’s presence reflects the increasing prominence of women in the sciences during the 20th century. -
Mr. Patrick W. Donner, M.P.
A sitting Member of the British Parliament, Mr. Donner exemplifies the strong political connections aboard transatlantic liners, underscoring their role as conduits for diplomacy and international relations. -
Miss Helen Jacobs
A celebrated tennis champion of the 1930s and a contemporary of Suzanne Lenglen, Miss Jacobs exemplifies the glamour and allure of prominent athletes aboard luxury liners. -
Lady Wilkinson
The wife of Sir George Wilkinson, Lady Wilkinson symbolizes the presence of elite British society, whose travel further enriched the cultural exchanges aboard the ship. -
Mr. Arthur S. Vernay
An esteemed antiques dealer and collector, Mr. Vernay’s inclusion underscores the cultural and artistic networks fostered aboard Cunard vessels. -
Miss I. A. R. Wylie
A successful novelist and screenwriter, Miss Wylie’s voyage highlights the ship’s role in bridging the worlds of literature and entertainment across the Atlantic.
Historical Context and Significance
The RMS Aquitania, one of the last four-funnel liners, was celebrated for its enduring service and luxurious accommodations. By 1937, it was a vital part of Cunard White Star's fleet, ferrying luminaries, business tycoons, and dignitaries between Europe and North America.
This passenger list not only captures the names of individuals who shaped the social, political, and cultural landscape of the time but also provides insight into the intricate onboard experience, from meticulous dining arrangements to extensive amenities.
Condition and Features
- Front Cover: Strikingly preserved with period typography and Cunard insignia.
- Passenger Roster: Over 300 names, offering exceptional genealogical and historical value.
- Supplemental Materials: Includes sailing schedules, advertisements for 1938 world cruises, and details on the ship’s facilities and services.
Provenance
From the acclaimed Chris Crofts Collection, known for its meticulously curated assemblage of maritime memorabilia. This provenance ensures authenticity and enhances the item’s desirability among collectors.
Conclusion
This RMS Aquitania Cabin Class Passenger List is far more than a historical document; it is a microcosm of 1937 society, brimming with stories of innovation, influence, and artistry. Its impeccable provenance and exceptional content render it an unparalleled collector's piece, celebrating the elegance and significance of ocean liner travel in the 20th century.
