Why did the White Star Line change the name of the third ship from “Gigantic” to “Britannic”?
After the sinking of the Titanic, White Star chairman Bruce Ismay denied ever considering the name “Gigantic” for the new ship; however, the name “Gigantic” does appear in the technical press in the months before the loss of Titanic. Although there is no direct documentation for it, it is reasonable that the name “Gigantic” was felt to be too arrogant after the loss of the Titanic, and the more conventional and patriotic name “Britannic” substituted in its place.
After the sinking of the Titanic, White Star chairman Bruce Ismay denied ever considering the name “Gigantic” for the new ship; however, the name “Gigantic” does appear in the technical press in the months before the loss of Titanic. Although there is no direct documentation for it, it is reasonable that the name “Gigantic” was felt to be too arrogant after the loss of the Titanic, and the more conventional and patriotic name “Britannic” substituted in its place.
