Dalbeattie Town History

Murdoch of the 'Titanic' :
Lieutenant William McMaster Murdoch Royal Naval Reserve	'RMS Titanic', White Star Line

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New Information from Ernest Robinson - 2nd February 1999

Main sections of the Murdoch of the 'Titanic' Website
The White Star Line	Life of W.M. Murdoch	RMS Titanic	Collision and Aftermath	The Board of Enquiry

Supporting Sub-Pages on this 'Titanic' Website
Making a Donation (Murdoch Memorial Fund)	Memorial and 1912 Public Meeting	Letter from 2nd Officer C.H. Lightoller	Evidence of 2nd Radio Operator H.S. Bride
Chief Officer Henry Tingle Wilde	Index of Witness Evidence	Stuart Williamson 'Titanic' Artist	The Murdochs in 1912
White Star Line Ships up to 1912.	Major Sources of Information	Other good 'Titanic' Websites	Stop Press
The Apology - 15th April 1998 - Scott Neeson and the Cheque
The 'Titanic' Floats at the 1998 Festival Procession [Under Construction]
Presentation of the Murdoch Memorial Prizes 1998 [Under Construction]

This website was written to state the truth about Lieutenant William McMaster Murdoch, RNR. Information and editorial assistance came from the maritime historian, Mr. Ernest Robinson, and Samuel Scott Murdoch, the nephew of the First Officer of the RMS 'Titanic'. The writer has been reliably informed that there is no definite evidence stating that William Murdoch either killed others or that he took his own life. The corruption allegation in Cameron's film is agreed by scholars to be an invention.

The Stop Press file has recent site news

Earlier events are recorded in 'Site News', the Archive section.

Most Recent Site Development Updates : 3rd February 1999

Addition of a report on the Harold Bride evidence obtained by Ernie Robinson.

Site Introduction

The recent release in the United Kingdom of the film 'Titanic' has yet again brought the actions of her crew under public scrutiny. Unfortunately, this has also perpetuated myths about the principal officers such as Captain Smith and his First Officer William McMaster Murdoch, Lieutenant RNR.The film has incorrectly portrayed Murdoch as having taken a bribe to let a man into a lifeboat, later shooting a passenger before committing suicide by shooting himself for being responsible for the collision.

In fact, First Officer Murdoch took action to try to avert the collision, and to assist with the safe embarkation of passengers in the lifeboats. This was witnessed by Charles Herbert Lightoller, the Second Officer. Lightoller gave evidence in the two official inquiries, and in a published letter to William Murdoch's wife Ada, telling how Murdoch was swept away when the ship sank. Second Wireless Operator Harold Bride, and passenger Archibald Gracie, both also saw Murdoch trying to free a collapsible boat to rescue more of the crew and passengers when he was swept away. William Murdoch's heroic actions were those of a reasonable and honourable seaman.

Please Note :-
In view of the unanticipated level of interest in the Memorial Prize, I am uploading pages that are still under construction. Some text and images may be absent, incomplete or out of sequence. I will be happy to receive any relevant information or images and will acknowledge it if included.

- Richard Edkins, webmaster@dalbeattie.com

Dalbeattie Internet

Dalbeattie Domain website is designed and managed for pleasure and profit by Murdoch site started 23rd January 1998, last updated 3rd February 1999. No charge was made for the W.M.Murdoch website.

Dalbeattie Internet