Owner: White Star Line Port of registry: Liverpool, UK Builder: Harland and Wolff, Belfast Launched: 31 May 1911
Tonnage: 46,328 GRT Displacement: 52,310 tons Length: 882 ft 9 in (269.1 m) Beam: 92 ft 6 in (28.2 m) Height: 175 ft (53.3 m) (keel to top of funnels) Draught: 34 ft 7 in (10.5 m) Depth: 64 ft 6 in (19.7 m) Decks: 9 (A–G) Propulsion: Two three-blade wing propellers and one three-blade centre propeller Speed: Cruising: 21 kn (39 km/h; 24 mph). Max: 24 kn (44 km/h; 28 mph) Capacity: Passengers: 2,435, crew: 892. Total: 3,327
Titanic’s Officers: On Duty in Pictures By Gavin Krom and Dan E. Parkes
Lightoller and Murdoch (right) prepare to close the gangway before departure from Queenstown, Ireland, April 11th, 1912. (Click image to enlarge)
Unlike the Titanic’s sister ship, the Olympic, the previous year, there was no time for formal group pictures of Titanic’s officers. However, some of Titanic’s officers were photographed before they served on the Titanic: Murdoch and Lightoller on the Medic in 1900, Lightoller and Boxhall on the Oceanic in 1909 and lastly Wilde and Murdoch on the Olympic in 1911.
However, upon closer inspection of the various photographs of the Titanic leaving Belfast and Southampton, officers can be seen standing on duty on their departure stations. This article showcases some of those photographs of the officers on duty.
Officer Stations
The White Star Line officers rulebook, published in 1907 with rules from 1900, detailed departure positions for a ship with five officers. Later on, the compliment of officers was expanded to accommodate the larger vessels.
Officer
Station
Chief Officer
On the forecastle
First Officer
On the docking bridge
Second Officer
In the crows nest
Third Officer
On the docking bridge, assisting the First Officer
Fourth Officer
On the navigating bridge assisting the commander and the harbour pilot, in charge of the engine telegraphs
Fifth Officer
On the bridge telephones
Sixth Officer
First at the crew gangway door, after leaving the docks would be stationed on the compass platform amidships
Note: It has often been claimed that the Second Officer would be stationed on the forecastle, while the White Star Line officers handbook confirms that the departure station was in the crow’s nest. The following pictures confirm a third figure in the crow’s nest.
Quick Menu
This page has been listed in chronological order and divided into the following sections, which you can click on for direct access:
Before the Titanic left Belfast, you can see Chief officer Murdoch standing alongside boatswain Thomas Sloan (Titanic's bo'sun during the delivery voyage) on the forecastle, the departure station of a chief officer. See close up below. (Kempster Album/Steve Raffield/Senan Molony)
Chief Officer Murdoch overseeing work on the forecastle, while Titanic is in Belfast.
In the same photograph you can see Second Officer David Blair in the crow's nest alongside two lookouts. The crow's nest was the departure station of the Second Officer.
2. Belfast: Sea Trials (2 April 1912)
The Titanic departs Belfast for her sea trials as photographed by James Glass with his tripod on the banks of the Belfast Lough. First Officer Lightoller and Third Officer Pitman can be spotted in the distance standing on the docking bridge. Close-ups below. (National Museum of Northern Ireland/NMNI Harland & Wolff collection)
An alternate angle of officers Lightoller and Pitman on the docking bridge as Titanic begins her sea trials.
In this profile view as the Titanic leaves the Belfast lough, Chief Officer Murdoch can be seen on the forecastle, Second Officer Blair in the crow’s nest, Sixth Officer Moody in the compass tower and lastly First Officer Lightoller and Third Officer Pitman on the docking bridge. Close ups below. (National Museum of Northern Ireland/NMNI Harland & Wolff collection)
A close up showing Chief Officer Murdoch on the forecastle.
A close up showing Second Officer Blair in the crow’s nest.
A close up showing Sixth Officer Moody in the compass tower.
A close up showing First Officer Lightoller and Third Officer Pitman on the docking bridge.
3. Southampton: Pre-departure (10:30am: 10 April 1912)
On the day of Titanic's maiden voyage Smith was photographed in two locations by press photographers who arrived on board at 10.30am. Firstly, he was photographed standing outside the port side Officer Quarters on the boat deck. He is photographed by three different agencies from three slightly different angles - the Newspaper Illustrations Ltd, Illustrations Bureau and Central News.
Captain Edward John Smith standing outside the portside Officer Quarters on the boat deck of Titanic while she was at Southampton during the morning of 10th April, 1912 (Click to enlarge)
Above and right: Captain Smith in one of three different photographs taken of him on Titanic's port boat deck. (Click images to enlarge)
The second and more impressive location is the bridge, Smith seen standing somewhat pensively on the port side of the wooden navigational bridge, allowing us one of the only tantalizing glimpses into Titanic's bridge, with a large telegraph visible through the window behind his shoulder. The photograph is taken by the Newspaper Illustrations Ltd agency.
Captain Edward John Smith poses on Titanic's portside of the bridge on the morning of April 10th, in the only known photograph of Smith on Titanic's bridge. (Click to enlarge)
4. Southampton: Departure from Berth 44 (Noon: 10 April 1912)
In one of the most famous shots of Titanic departing Southampton, the tugs pulling her away from berth 44, we see a most poignant photograph of Chief Officer Wilde, standing on the prow of the ship, his hands seemingly clasped behind his back as he watches men working the lines.
Titanic departing Southampton docks, with Chief Officer Wilde standing on the prow, and Second Officer Lightoller in the crows nest together with two lookouts. See below for the close-ups. (Click image to enlarge)
A close-up of the above photograph reveals the striking silhouette of Chief Officer Wilde, observing the men working the lines on the Titanic's prow.
A close-up reveals Second Officer Lightoller in the crows nest together with two lookouts.
From another angle of the same scene above, Wilde is also captured on camera on the prow. From the vantage of A-deck, Francis Browne captured the forward well deck and forecastle as the tugs pull Titanic away from Berth 44. In the far distance, a figure with a greatcoat can be seen, this being Chief Officer Wilde.
The photograph Francis Browne took of the forecastle also captured Chief Officer Wilde on the prow. Close up below.
A close up of the above photograph reveals the silhouette of Chief Officer Wilde, with his back to camera once again.
Looking from the other direction, the Titanic moves away from Berth 44, under the guidance of six tugboats. First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman can be seen on the docking bridge assisted by an unknown quartermaster.
A view of the Titanic's stern as she departs Bert 44 reveals officers on the docking bridge. Close up below. (R. Terrell-Wright Collection)
In the close up, First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman can be seen on the docking bridge, assisted by an unknown quartermaster.
5. Views from the Beacon Grange (1:30pm: 10 April 1912)
As the Titanic proceeds away from Berth 44 and with smoke covering the forecastle, only Second Officer Lightoller and Sixth Officer Moody can be seen in the crow’s nest and on the compass tower respectively.
Second Officer Lightoller in the crows nest and Sixth Officer Moody on the compass tower are visible - circled. Close ups below. (Günter Bäbler/Daniel Klistorner collection)
A close up of Second Officer Lightoller in the crows nest.
A close up of Sixth Officer Moody on the compass platform.
There are other views from the Houlder Line steamer the Beacon Grange which show Chief Officer Wilde still working on the forecastle, as follows:
In a close up, the Titanic, as photographed aboard by the Houlder Line steamer Beacon Grange by a photographer named Courtney, shows Chief Officer Wilde standing on the forecastle (White Star photo Library/Brown Bros).
The Titanic photographed from the Beacon Grange shows Wilde standing on the forecastle (Daniel Klistorners collection).
Another photograph from the Beacon Grange shows Wilde on the forecastle (White Star photo Library)
Another photograph from the Beacon Grange shows Wilde on the forecastle, Lightoller in the crow’s nest and Moody on the compass platform. Close ups below. (Daniel Klistorners collection)
Chief Officer Wilde is on the prow of the forecastle looking aft.
Second Officer Lightoller is in the crow’s nest with the lookouts.
Sixth Officer Moody is barely visible on the compass platform.
6. Southampton: Near Collision with the SS New York (1pm: 10 April 1912)
As the Titanic proceeds on her journey there is a dramatic near collision with the S.S. New York. Photographs of the Titanic's stern reveal the reaction of the officers stationed there.
As the SS New York's' stern draws closer to the Titanic’s stern, First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman can be seen in the far distance. Close up below.(Brown Brothers)
First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman on the Titanic's docking bridge during the moment of near collision.
The same scene was photographed from the opposite angle, also revealing the officers on the docking bridge.
First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman look on as the SS New York's' stern draws closer to the Titanic’s stern. Close up below. (R. Terrell-Wright Collection)
First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman on the Titanic's docking bridge during the moment of near collision with the New York.
After the collision is averted, the Titanic continues on its delayed journey. Once again the officers are captured on film.
The Titanic departs after the near collision with a tug beside her. First officer Murdoch and Third officer Pitman stand beside one another chatting. Photographed by Frank Beken. Close up below. (Ioannis Georgiou collection)
First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman stand beside one another chatting, post near collision with the New York.
7. The Solent (1:30pm: 10 April 1912)
As the Titanic proceeds on her journey, she travels down the Solent, a strait between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, and is captured from a variety of locations, including by photographer Frank Beken as she passed Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Frank Beken and his famous photograph of the Titanic heading down the Solent. In the windows of the navigating bridge you can make out a figure: this could be Fourth Officer Boxhall standing near the telegraphs. On the compass platform you can see Sixth Officer Moody standing on watch, you can even see the white of his collar. Close ups below. (White Star Photo Library)
In the windows of the navigating bridge you can make out a figure. This could be Fourth Officer Boxhall standing near the telegraphs.
On the compass platform you can see Sixth Officer Moody standing on watch, you can even see the white of his collar.
The Titanic sails further down the Southampton waters. Sixth officer Moody can be seen in the compass platform. Close up below. (R Terrell-Wright collection)
Sixth officer Moody can be seen in the compass platform.
With a lowered anchor, the Titanic proceeds further down the Solent, First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman can be seen again on the docking bridge. Close up below. (Günter Bäbler collection)
First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman can be seen again on the docking bridge.
In another photograph by Frank Beken, with the anchor lowered, we can see clear views of Wilde on the prow, Moody in the compass tower (as if holding binoculars to his face) and Murdoch and Pitman on the stern docking bridge. Close ups below. (Daniel Klistorners collection)
Chief Officer Wilde on the forecastle deck, with the name Titanic just below.
Sixth Officer Moody on the compass platform, looking as if he is holding binoculars to his face - he may even have spotted they were being photographed!
First Officer Murdoch and Third Officer Pitman still on the docking bridge.
8. Roches Point outer anchorage, Queenstown, Ireland (11:30am: 11 April 1912)
The Titanic in the bay of Queenstown. Chief Officer Wilde can be seen on the forecastle. Close up below.
Chief Officer Wilde and some other crew on the forecastle as they anchor at Roches Point, near Queenstown.
Smith is famously photographed as he watches the tender Ireland come alongside Titanic. Gazing down from the starboard wing cab, this photograph has often incorrectly been identified as the last photograph of Smith, taken by Father Francis Browne. However neither is true. This photograph was taken by Dr William McLean, a Sanitary Surveyor of the Board of Trade at Queenstown who took the photograph from the Ireland tender as it approached the ship.
Captain Smith looks down from Titanic's starboard wing cab as the tender Ireland comes along side at Queenstown. (Click to enlarge)
The tender P.S America is off loading passengers and sacks of mail, two officers can be seen standing in the distance. Close up below. (Irish Examiner)
The tender P.S America is off loading passengers and sacks of mail, two officers can be seen standing near the mail. Identification can possibly made in the next photograph below. (Irish Examiner)
While the tender P.S America is off loading passengers and sacks of mail, two officers can be seen standing in the distance. The officer on the left has matching ears and face to Fifth Officer Lowe. Meaning the officer standing nearby, slightly obstructed by an onlooking second class passenger, is likely Third Officer Pitman (Lowe’s watchmate). They were photographed by Thomas Baker. Close up below. Many thanks to Ian L. Krom for assistance with the identification. (Irish Examiner)
The officer on the left has matching ears and face to Fifth Officer Lowe. Meaning the officer standing nearby, slightly obstructed by an onlooking second class passenger, is likely Third Officer Pitman (Lowe’s watchmate). Many thanks to Ian L. Krom for assistance with the identification.
The last known photographs to be taken of Captain Smith is of him standing on the starboard side of the Officer's Quarters alongside Chief Purser McElroy. Taken by photographer Thomas Barker, the window to the left of McElroy is Fouth Officer Boxhall's cabin, while the next four windows belong to the Captain's rooms. There are two photographs - one wide angle and the other slightly closer.
Captain Smith with Purser McElroy outside the door way to the Officer Quarters while Titanic lay at anchor off Roches Point, Queenstown (now Cobh) in Ireland on the 11th April, 1912. This is one of two last known photographs of Smith. (Click to enlarge)
The second photograph, slightly closer, of Captain Smith with Purser McElroy on Titanic's starboard boat deck while at anchor off Queenstown (now Cobh) in Ireland on the 11th April, 1912. This is one of two last known photographs of Smith. (Click to enlarge)
At 1:30pm, Second Officer Lightoller (left) and First Officer Murdoch (right) prepare to close the gangway before departure from Queenstown, Ireland, April 11th, 1912. It is the last photograph of Murdoch or any Titanic officer ever seen on duty.
It is interesting to note that this photograph reveals that Lightoller is apparently still wearing his first officer's stripes (two stripes), which would also indicate although not clearly seen in the image that Murdoch would be wearing his Chief Officer's stripes (three stripes). It leads to the very real possibility that although their ranks had changed due to the last minute deck department reshuffle, their uniforms had not, which would explain later confusions involving Murdoch still being called the 'chief officer'.
