Although Titanic is arguably the most famous ship ever built, many people are unaware that she was one of three sister ships which were designed to be the largest and most luxurious liners in the world. This November marks the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the youngest and lesser known sister ship, Britannic.
Originally like its sister ships, Britannic, was designed to be an Atlantic liner but with the First World War and the urgent need for hospital ships, it was converted for service in the Mediterranean, with its luxurious fittings being sold locally at auction. On 21st November 1916, while steaming in the Aegean Sea HMHS Britannic was struck a mine and sadly sunk in less than an hour with the loss of 21 of her crew and nine officers and men of the Royal Army Medical Corps.
To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of Britannic, and to shine a light on its remarkable story, Titanic Belfast in partnership with the Belfast Titanic Society are hosting a series of special events this November. Highlights include:
In Conversation With…
Titanic Belfast will host a talk and a Question and Answer session with the world-renown Britannic experts, including Simon Mills, maritime historian and the owner of wreck of HMHS Britannic.
Sunday 20th November, Titanic Belfast’s Britannic Suite, 2pm – 3pm
White Glove Event
Courtesy of the Belfast Titanic Society, Titanic Belfast will be hosting a white glove event, allowing the public to get up close and personal with some of Britannic’s fittings, including the staircase and railings, of Britannic that were auctioned off in Belfast. These fittings are the same as those used on-board RMS Titanic.
Sunday 20th November, Titanic Belfast’s Atrium, 3:15pm – 5pm
Commemoration Event
Join Titanic Belfast and Titanic Society and walk Britannic’s Slipways, reflect upon HMHS Britannic’s remarkable journey from its launch, work and tragic sinking, as well as see the plaque revealed to commemorate its life and service.
Monday 21st November, Titanic Belfast Slipways, 8:30am – 9:30am
Throughout November at Titanic Belfast….
Olympic Class Art
As a special tribute to Britannic throughout the month of November, artwork featuring the Olympic class liners by Richard Wood will be on display within Titanic Belfast’s atrium.
The Discovery Tour
Take the hour long Discovery Tour that explore the history of the famous barrel-vaulted Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices where the mighty ‘Olympic’ class ships were designed, walk in the footsteps of the men who built Titanic, Britannic and Olympic and see the Slipways where they were built. Also learn more about Britannic’s sister and the world’s most famous ship – Titanic.
To learn more, visit Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction located on the exact spot where she and Britannic was designed, built and launched. Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction’s galleries explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of that build Olympic, Titanic and Britannic, as well as the City and people which made her. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.