Glossary of Characters and Devices
Wholly invented entries are marked with an asterisk*
Lives recorded as lost in the sinking are indicated by the letter L.
Character Names
Albright*–seaman aboard the British cruiser Juno.
Anderson, James C.–Staff Captain of the Lusitania, an auxiliary officer assigned to handle social duties for the irritable and outspoken Captain Turner. L
Augusta Viktoria–Kaiserin, wife of Kaiser William.
Bernard, Oliver (Ollie)–British stage set designer returning from the US to enlist in the British military. After rescue, Ollie drew sketches of the sinking for the press.
Bernhard*–German reservist deployed in the trench lines in Flanders, Belgium, opposite French forces. The action is the Second Battle of Ypres, which lasted nearly a month. The three battles of Ypres together produced almost a million casualties on both sides.
Bestic, Albert–Third Officer of the Lusitania. Besides taking the four-point bearing and sighting the torpedo wake, he survived the disaster of the portside lifeboats. At most, one boat was launched. None of the crew would discuss the portside during the court inquiries.
Bethmann-Hollweg, Theobald von–Boyhood friend of Kaiser Wilhelm, who appointed him Chancellor of the German Empire from 1909 until 1917, a year before the Kaiser himself abdicated.
Bissett–A former First Officer of Captain Turner, later a captain himself in Cunard’s service. Turner often confused Mate Bestic’s name with his, intentionally or carelessly. In a later visit to the retired and reclusive Captain Turner, Bestic was turned away until he mis-identified himself as Bissett; then he was cordially recognized and received.
Bowring, Charles–British merchant shipowner and shipper.
Brady*, Alma–alias of Mairead (Maisie) Thornton.
Brandell, Josephine–British opera singer returning from a US tour.
Bryan, William Jennings–US Secretary of State from 1913 to June, 1915. He ordered his State Dept. to release the German warning. Bryan then resigned in disagreement with a strongly worded US protest to the Lusitania attack that he said “would surely lead to war with Germany.” His efforts to maintain US neutrality were undermined by Colonel House and by his Undersecretary of State Robert Lansing, who succeeded him as Secretary.
Churchill, Winston Spencer–First Lord of the Admiralty from 1912 to 1915, and much later Prime Minister of Britain. He set strategies in both World Wars. His final Admiralty meeting before the Lusitania sinking had no notes kept but is fictionally reconstructed.
Clive*–a steward aboard the Lusitania.
Coke, Sir Charles–Admiral of the small British fleet based in Queenstown, Ireland.
Crank, J–Baggage Master aboard the Lusitania. L
Depage, Marie–Belgian envoy in service to the Red Cross. L
Dexter*, Winifred (Winnie)–a nurse trainee from Concord, New Hampshire.
Ewing, Sir Alfred–Physicist, British Director of Naval Education, and Chief of Room 40.
Fisher, John Arbuthnot (Jackie)–Sea Lord and Admiral in the Royal Navy of Britain. He resigned from his post shortly after the Lusitania sinking. Fisher wrote friendly letters to German Grand Admiral Tirpitz endorsing his policy of unrestricted submarine warfare.
Flash*–see Jansen, Lars.
Florence* (Flo) Hunnicutt–a nurse trainee, sister of Hazel.
Forman, Justus Miles–American playwright and globe-trotter. L
Frohman, Charles (C.F.)–He specialized in bringing English hit productions to the New York stage. L
Gauntlett, Frederick (Fred)–Naval architect for Newport News shipyard, traveling to obtain a license to build British-designed submarines in the US.
Gavin*–seaman, Earl of Lathom merchant sailing ship.
George V–King of England and cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm and Czar Nicholas. Under his reign, the German names of British royals were anglicized, the surname Windsor replacing Saxe-Coburg und Gotha.
Grey, Sir Edward–British Foreign Secretary who stated, “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” He also asked, “What will America do if the Germans should sink a passenger liner with American passengers on board?” His question to Colonel House was echoed by King George V, with specific mention of the Lusitania, later that same day, May 7th, one to two hours before the sinking.
Hall, Sir Reginald (Blinker)–Director of Naval Intelligence, British Admiralty. His father had held the same post. In an island nation ruling a global empire through its fleet, the role was important.
Hardy*–Captain, Earl of Lathom merchant sailing ship.
Hazel* Hunnicutt–a nurse trainee, sister of Florence.
Hefford, Percy–second officer of the Lusitania (referred to erroneously in later court proceedings as Heppert). L
Hersing, Otto–Kapitan-Leutnant of U-21. Hersing, the first German U-boat ace, was awarded the Iron Cross medal for the war’s first torpedo sinking of a British light cruiser in September 1914, and for two battleships sunk off Gallipoli in May, 1915.
Hood, Vice-Admiral Sir Horace–Descendant of naval heroes and former commander of English Channel defenses, demoted to captaincy of the antiquated cruiser Juno, based at Queenstown. To restore his reputation, he led his battlecruisers into action against German battleships at Jutland in May, 1916. He died when his ship, the Invincible, was blown in half with only six survivors.
Hogan*, James (Big Jim)–a New York crime boss and corrupt alderman.
Holbourn, Laird Ian Bernard Stoughton–Oxford professor and Laird of Foula, a tiny isle in the Shetlands, far north of Scotland. Besides petitioning for life belt training, he befriended a young Canadian girl, Avis Dolphin, and saved her life. His wife Marion, at home during the sinking, described having a detailed premonition and vision of it the night before.
Hollis*–British seaman aboard cruiser Juno.
House, Edward Mandell (Colonel)–Political kingmaker, friend and envoy of US President Wilson. In April he was dispatched to Europe on the Lusitania to propose peace talks and seek “Freedom of the Seas” for neutral shipping. He later indicated that this plan was sunk with the Lusitania. (Note: this second visit to England and King George V is reconstructed: House had visited the Kaiser in 1914 to prevent a war.) To Wilson he wrote, “I think we shall find ourselves drifting into war with Germany….”
Hubbard, Elbert–Former advertising executive, novelist, motivational writer and co-founder of the American Craftsman movement and the Roycrofter utopian colony in New York. This fashion influenced American art and design. He told the press that if a torpedo struck, he would “be a regular hero and go right to the bottom.” Near the end, he and his wife Mary were seen standing by the rail without life belts, waiting for the ship to sink. A later witness reported him clinging in vain to a barrel and slipping out of sight. L
Iggy*–Messenger boy for New York mobster Patsy*.
Jansen*, Lars (Flash)–Photographer and cub reporter for the Daily Inquisitor*.
Jolivet, Rita–French actress returning from Broadway appearances.
*Heinz–German spy in the Lusitania’s brig who is afraid the ship will be sunk.
Kessler, George (Champagne King)–Public relations promoter of French wines.
Klein, Charles–Broadway actor and playwright. His crippled foot may have hurt his chances of survival. L
Knucks*–see Steegle, Elmer.
Krauss*, Hildegard–Teacher and organizer for the United Nursing Service League*.
Kroger*, Dirk–alias of German spy, a Naval Intelligence agent posing as a Dutch fur merchant.
Lane, Sir Hugh–Irish art patron, bringing back Rembrandt and Rubens paintings that were judged unsuitable for display in the US. The paintings were aboard but not known to be recovered from the wreck. L
Lanz–C
ivilian pilot aboard the U-20 submarine.
Lehmann, Isaac–American arms manufacturer and dealer. By waving a gun and menacing the crew, he caused the premature release of the last lifeboat on the portside. It swung inboard and careened down the deck, injuring Lehmann and crushing dozens of others.
Leith, Robert (Bob)–Chief Telegraphist, RMS Lusitania
Mackworth, Lady Margaret–British noblewoman and suffragette activist, wife of Sir Humphrey Mackworth and daughter of coal magnate D.A. Thomas
Maisie* Thornton–see Brady, Alma
Mary, Victoria–Queen of England, German-born wife of King George V. The passenger liner Queen Mary now on display in Los Angeles is named for her.
Matthews, Annie–Wife of Captain Robert Matthews. L
Matthews, Robert–Captain, Canadian 6th Winnipeg Rifles. He appears to have been traveling to the battlefront with his company of enlistees, whom he mustered to help transfer cargo aboard Lusitania that may have included their rifle ammunition. L
McCormick, David (Dave)–Second Telegraphist, RMS Lusitania.
McCray*, Ruarie (Rory)–Steersman, Earl of Lathom merchant sailing ship.
McGonagill*–Mate, Earl of Lathom merchant sailing ship.
Meissner*, Gerhardt–Invented name of one of three unidentified spies or stowaways who were imprisoned in the Lusitania’s brig. Although not included in most casualty totals, they almost certainly perished with the ship. On her departure from New York, they were found hiding in a pantry and were detained. They had evidently been trying to reveal naval guns or gun emplacements aboard ship, and they may have photographed gun mounting rings concealed under trap doors in the Shelter Deck. Their camera was sent off aboard a British Royal Navy vessel patrolling the New York coast.
Mikey*–Hoodlum for Big Jim Hogan
O’Donnell*, Seamus–Seaman, Earl of Lathom merchant sailing ship
Oliver, Henry–Rear Admiral and British Admiralty Intelligence Director under Sir Reginald Hall
Patsy*–New York mob leader and rival of Big Jim Hogan*.
Pearson, Frederick Stark–Millionaire American consulting engineer. L
Pierpoint, William–Liverpool Police Detective-Inspector assigned to protect the Lusitania.
Plamondon, Charles–American manufacturer of large-scale brewery equipment, seeking business from the Guinness Company in Ireland. L
Plamondon, Mary–wife of Charles. The day before the sinking was their 36th wedding anniversary. L
Reggie*–British infantryman shipped from Flanders to the Gallipoli marine invasion.
Rikowski–Radio officer aboard the U-20 submarine
Schwieger, Walther–Kapitan-Leutnant in the German Kaiserliche Marine and commander of the submarine Unterseeboot-20. His success wasn’t proclaimed by the Kaiser and he didn’t receive the Iron Cross medal until 1917, most likely because his triumph over the Lusitania came to be regarded as a foreign policy setback for Germany. In 1916, his U-20 ran aground in Denmark and was demolished on his orders. He and his crew perished in 1917 when his next command, the U-88, was chased into a minefield by Q-ship HMS Stonecrop.
Smyte*, Jeremy–A steward in Second Cabin service aboard the Lusitania.
Stackhouse, Commander J. Foster–A noted sea captain planning an Antarctic research voyage and rumored to be a British spy. L
Steegle*, Elmer (Knucks)–a lieutenant in Big Jim Hogan’s crime organization.
Studs*–Bodyguard for Big Jim Hogan*.
Thornton*, Maisie–see Brady, Alma
Tirpitz, Alfred von–Grand Admiral and Secretary of State for the German Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) from 1897 to 1916. Tirpitz, as naval leader, expressed the view that war against England was hopeless, and later believed that Germany’s only chance was a ruthless submarine blockade of Allied shipping. The German public tended to agree, but Kaiser Wilhelm gave equal weight to Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg’s view. In an ongoing furor over merchant sinkings, Tirpitz was finally allowed to resign.
Trevor*–British Expeditionary Force (BEF) rifleman in a foxhole during the Second Battle of Ypres, April 25–May 22, 1915. BEF casualties in this month-long fight were triple the German losses.
Tumulty, Joseph (Joe)–Personal secretary to US President Woodrow Wilson
Turner, Captain William (Bowler Bill)–Commander of the Lusitania who, in peacetime, was noted for fast Atlantic crossings and quick turnarounds in port. When his predecessor Captain Dow resigned, unwilling to accept the wartime risk to passengers, Turner was brought back. Targeted after the sinking by Churchill, Fisher, and other British officials as being incompetent or possibly a traitor, he was exonerated by the Board of Inquiry. He later commanded other Cunard vessels in war and peacetime, including the troopship Ivernia, which was sunk by a torpedo off Greece. He sought seclusion from reporters, but later maintained that on her last day the Lusitania was ordered to run for shelter in Queenstown harbor.
Ulbricht–Seaman on the U-20 who reacted to the Lusitania sinking but was not arrested.
Vanderbilt, Alfred–American tycoon and playboy carriage racer. Rather than seeking his own safety like the rich aboard the Titanic, he spent the Lusitania’s final minutes securing life belts to child passengers. L
Vane*, Matthew (Matt)–war reporter for the New York Daily Inquisitor*.
Voegele, Charles–A native of Strasbourg in the Alsace-Lorraine corridor, which was ceded to Germany by France after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871. As electrician aboard the U-20, his voyage was followed by a court martial and a term in Landsberg Prison. He was released after the armistice, but hardships during his imprisonment ruined his health, and he died in 1926. Some question his existence, but records of his birth, service and death may have been destroyed by the later Nazi occupiers of Strasbourg.
Weisbach, Raimund–Oberleutnant, torpedo officer aboard U-20 who launched the torpedo that sank the Lusitania. By 1916, he was commander of the U-19 which landed patriot Sir Roger Casement in Ireland to lead the Easter Rising against Britain. But due to German radio messages decoded by Room 40, Casement was arrested on the beach.
Wilhelm II–Kaiser of the German Empire, later William Hohenzollern. Before the Armistice, a military mutiny forced him to abdicate and flee to Holland. The Versailles Treaty called for his prosecution, but Dutch Queen Wilhelmina refused to extradite him.
Willie*–Australian ANZAC enlistee deployed to Gallipoli invasion of Turkey.
Wilson, Woodrow–US President 1913–1921. His 1916 re-election campaign used the slogan “He kept us out of war.” Even so, the US entry into the Great War in April, 1917, that made it a World War, may already have been inevitable, due largely to the Lusitania sinking. Wilson then promised “A war to end all war.” He made a valiant personal effort to broker the contentious Versailles Treaty, whose harsh terms likely led to World War II. The Kaiser called the treaty “a peace to end all peace,” and Wilson died unfulfilled.
Winifred* (Winnie) Crocker - A nurse trainee headed for war.
Characters Noted But Not Portrayed
Bauer, Hermann–Fregattenkapitan, Commander of the U-20’s submarine flotilla. After the Lusitania sinking, der Kaiser urged his dismissal for not transmitting orders to restrain U-boat attacks, but the Kaiserliche Marine high command retained him in his post.
Bismarck, Otto von–a Prussian Prince and statesman who unified and militarized the German nation. He was removed as Chancellor in 1890 by Kaiser Wilhelm (William) II.
Casement, Roger–Irish rebel leader who tried to recruit Irish war prisoners to be transported by German ships back to Ireland for an uprising against British rule. Sent in alone by submarine, he was arrested, and a shipload of weapons was intercepted. Discredited by British authorities as being a homosexual, he was executed.
Cavell, Edith–English nurse in occupied Belgium who was tried by Germany for letting Belgian soldiers escape
. In spite of international protest, she was executed by firing squad in October 1915.
Duncan, Isadora–The creator of modern dance, a San Francisco-born ballet artist who resided in Europe and later the Soviet Union. She performed barefoot and scandalized Boston audiences when she ripped her bodice during a French Revolutionary tribute.
Nicholas II, Tsar–Emperor and Autocrat of Russia, a cousin of King George V and Kaiser William. After abdicating in 1917, he and his family were slain in the Bolshevik revolution of 1918.
Weddigen, Otto–German U-boat ace and recipient of the Iron Cross medal. As Kapitan-Leutnant of U-9, he was credited with the “Live Bait” sinking of three British cruisers in October, 1914, the Cressy and Hogue having been torpedoed as they came to the aid of the already capsized Aboukir with 1459 lives lost in the action. The newly appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill, was blamed by the press for this–unfairly, since he had previously ordered the three antique ships withdrawn. On seeing the Lusitania with her vulnerable coal bunkers, he remarked that she looked to him like “another forty-five thousand tons of live bait.”
Wegener, Berndt (Bernie)–Kapitan-Leutnant of U-27. His U-boat was sunk in August, 1915 by the Baralong, a Q-ship flying a false American flag. After sinking the sub, the British crew massacred Wegener and other survivors in revenge for the Lusitania attack.
Victoria, Queen of England–grandmother to Charles V, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Czar Nicholas II. Wed to her first cousin, the German Prince Albert, she expanded her empire as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. On her death, her son Edward VII became King.
Devices
Aboukir, Cressy, Hogue–See Weddigen, Otto, above.
Aluminum–Powdered aluminium is listed on Lusi’s cargo manifest, and this substance is flammable at high temperatures. It was included as an accelerant for the military explosive compounds Perdit and Amerol, and also used as photo flash powder. In a machine shop, this metal dust is not allowed to accumulate. It can spontaneously combust, resulting in a flame hot enough to melt steel tools. Adding water to douse it will only intensify the fire.
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