Morse code event to honour Titanic hero

An event is to be held to celebrate the birthday of a Surrey man who tried to save the Titanic.

Jack Phillips, from Godalming, worked on the ship as its chief wireless operator when it hit an iceberg in the early hours of 15 April 1912.

Phillips sent out distress calls and advised on the latest position of the ship until it foundered.

While more than 1,500 people died, 705 people were rescued on to the RMS Carpathia, which was sent thanks to Phillips' messages.

Phillips, who did not survive the sinking of the Titanic, learnt Morse code while working in his first job at his local Post Office.

A memorial to the telegraphist, who turned 25 the day after Titanic set sail from Southampton, was built two years after he died.

On Saturday, the Operation Morse event at Godalming Museum will feature an amateur radio special event station licensed to use the Titanic's wireless call sign.

There will also be a demonstration of radio operators connecting across the world using Morse code and an opportunity to learn how to use the telecommunications method.

The free event runs from 11:00 BST to 14:00.

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