*
This rather disturbing postcard was sent home to Llyn on the 9th
of January 1912, and the message on the back reads; “SS Harrovian”
Messina. Arrived here this morning for coal (bunkers) we will be sailing
tonight for Constantinople. This is the place where they had the
earthquake three years ago, All the Best Evan.
(Footnote) On
December 28, 1908, at approximately 5:20am, Europe's most powerful
earthquake shook southern Italy. Cantered in the Messina Strait, the
quake's magnitude equalled a 7.5 by today's Richter scale. Moments after
the quake's first jolt, a devastating Tsunami formed, causing forty-foot
waves to crash down on dozens of coastal cities. Messina’s population of
150,000 was reduced to only hundreds, and the total death toll throughout
Italy was estimated at nearly 200,000. The uniformed men in the photograph
were from a Russian Naval warship, who helped with the rescue.
************
Every one of these cards were sent home to Llyn, by
seafarers on their travels.
Because of the enormous value of some of these very
rare postcards, their owners will remain anonymous. Thank You.
