Ken Tracey's Famous Faces column continues with an everyday man who is remembered today for his role in the Titanic disaster.

In 1910, curious antenna appeared above 58 Ravensbourne Avenue, Shortlands. Harold, the son of Arthur and Mary Bride, was practising telegraphy. This form of communication transmitted Morse code by wires or wireless. He later became a Morse operator, a career that put him on the front pages of the world's newspapers.

The youngest of five children, he was born in Nunhead on January 11, 1890. The family moved to Shortlands when Harold was 13 and it remained his home until 1923.

After training with Marconi, Harold joined RMS Titanic for her maiden voyage and sailed from Southampton on April 10, 1912.

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He worked with senior telegrapher Jack Phillips, and during the night of April 14, Captain Edward J Smith informed them that the Titanic had struck an iceberg and they were in danger.

The boys contacted other ships by telegraphy, then scrambled on deck as water cascaded into the cabin.

Harold was washed overboard and clung to an upturned lifeboat until dawn when, with his feet frostbitten, he was rescued by the Carpathia. Phillips was never seen again.

News Shopper: Harold Bride, one of the radio operators aboard the Titanic, is pictured being carried to safety. He lived in Shortlands

Safe in New York, a newspaper published Harold's story which became a significant record of events. He was paid $1,000, an arrangement that caused controversy later.

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He gave evidence to the American and British hearings while sitting in a wheelchair. The ‘sparks’ from Shortlands was an international hero and was presented with a gold watch by Marconi. The inscription read: 'In recognition of having done his duty and done it bravely.'

Harold married Lucy, they had two daughters and a son. He died of lung cancer on April 29, 1956, aged 66.

News Shopper:

There is a blue plaque on the private house in Shortlands now. A framed telegram to his parents hangs in the hall, dated April 17. 1912. It simply states: 'Officially advised by White Star Line. Operator Bride saved from Titanic.'

More from Ken Tracey at www.kentracey.co.uk