On the night of 14 April 1912 Rostron was asleep in his cabin when wireless operator Harold Cottam burst in and told him of theTitanic's distress signal. Captain Rostron immediately set course to the liner's last known position, over 60 miles away. A very devout Christian man, after all the orders were issued and the desperate preparations were underway, he was observed walking away to a place where he thought he would be unobserved, and bowed his head for a long prayer. At 4:00 a.m. the Carpathia arrived at the scene after negotiating exceedingly dangerous ice fields. The Carpathia picked up the survivors and lifeboats from the Titanic. 712 people were saved and 1,503 perished. As there were insufficient resources on board to make it to Europe, Captain Rostron decided to sail back to New York. When the Carpathia arrived at New York, the full horror of the Titanic tragedy was learned. After the last survivor had disembarked and Captain Rostron had completed his statement for the US Senate inquiry, the Carpathia returned to its usual service. He was later awarded the Congressional Medal of honor by President Taft. Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 Halls Studio photo of the officers of the Carpathia, signed in fountain pen, 'A. H. Rostron.' In fine condition, with a bit of trivial soiling and a tiny tack hole to top left corner. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from University Archives' John Reznikoff. This very well may be the only signed photo of Rostron we will ever see!
