Titanic fans can get a closer look at the real story behind the doomed liner when an exhibition featuring authentic artefacts opens in Farnborough this autumn.

And while millions know the cinematic story of Jack and Rose, the exhibition has a poignant local connection through the real-life Jack Phillips, the Titanic’s senior wireless operator who was born in Farncombe, near Godalming.

The Titanic Exhibition will run at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre from October 23 to November 21, bringing the story of the doomed liner to the area.

Born above a draper’s shop on April 11, 1887, Phillips trained as a telegraphist at Godalming Post Office before joining the Marconi company.

In spring 1912, he took up the position of senior wireless operator aboard the new White Star liner Titanic.

When the ship struck an iceberg and began to sink on the night of April 14, 1912, Phillips stayed at his post, sending distress calls that helped summon the RMS Carpathia to the survivors.

He continued transmitting almost to the end but did not survive, dying four days after his 25th birthday.

His devotion to duty is widely credited with helping to save many of those who survived the disaster.

Phillips remains one of Surrey’s best-known Titanic figures. He is remembered by the Phillips Memorial Cloister in Godalming, a garden and cloister beside the River Wey that is reportedly the largest Titanic memorial in the world.

He is also remembered by his family grave and a memorial in Farncombe, while Godalming Museum holds a collection dedicated to his life and story.

The exhibition traces the Titanic from its conception and construction through daily life on board, the events of April 1912 and the continuing work to preserve its legacy.

Among the material being used to tell the story is the Titanic’s Marconi transcript – the record of wireless messages sent to and from the ship’s wireless room, where operators such as Phillips worked.

Tom Rudderham, director of White Star Heritage, said: “Most people know the outline of Titanic’s story, but it is the people who bring it home. Surrey has its own deeply personal connection in Jack Phillips, the Godalming wireless operator who stayed at his post sending for help as the ship went down. “Bringing the exhibition to nearby Farnborough lets us connect a world-famous story back to Godalming - to the town, the families and the memory of the man who called it home.”

The Farnborough exhibition will run for a limited period, including the October half-term, with timed-entry tickets and free on-site parking.

The exhibition runs from October 23 to November 21 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in ETPS Road.

Tickets and visitor information are available at www.titanictickets.com/farnborough.