The Ship of Nightmares

White Star Line Board of Advisors, 1914

H. H. Asquith to H. A. Sanderson December 20, 1914

Dear Mr. Chairman,

I write to you with apprehension and anxiety over the fate of our great nation and her prized colonies. Sir Wilhelm and his Huns have launched a war on our people and, I fear, will not cease until they’ve burned the land of all members of the Triple Entente or until we return them to their rightful place. Them with their lie-factory and growing naval and land power threatens the lives of us all. Thus, we must revert back to our roots; our intrinsic nature; our power over the nations. Sanderson, I believe with the utmost certainty that our naval and oceanic strength can overtake Wilhelm and his Huns. To launch a battle against the German Empire’s Archie we must expand our naval power so we may access battle machines, food and resources, hospitals, and a transportation system on the ocean. Mr. Chairman I am calling on you to resurrect the organization you should proudly own. Call upon your political leaders, business associates, citizens, families, and foreign politicals alike to build a board to help guide the White Star Line in assisting our great nation. The British Empire calls upon you to help resolve this blighty war and serve your country in maintaining our proud position as the world’s leader. Condolences to your predecessor, Ismay, and his blunder. The Titanic was disastrous and I understand your company has faced numerous challenges since; but Sanderson, this war is a battle bigger than the crump Ismay created. I am calling on you and the White Star Line to aid your great nation, and tackle our problems with regard to the industry and our public relations. Mr. Chairman, I am putting my faith in you to expand the scope of your company and help manoeuvre around the social, political, and economic state of the globe. I am asking you to help Britain to regain our pre-existing state of glory.

Sincerely,

H. H. Asquith

Background Guide