The RMS Titanic Inquiry in London - 1912

The British Method: The RMS Titanic Inquiry in London. Photograph by The Illustrated London News (25 May 1912) p. 782. GGA Image ID # 102e7668c7

Photos Top to Bottom, Left to Right:

1. Those Appointed to Hold the British Inquiry into the Loss of the "Titanic": Lord Mersey, the Wreck Commissioner, and Assessors.
2. The Procedure of the British Inquiry into the Loss of the "Titanic": A Witness Giving Evidence.
3. The Inquiry in Full Swing: The Scene in the London Scottish Drill Hall, Showing a Model of the "Titanic."
4. A Lookout Man Who Gave Evidence as to an Order from the Bridge Telling Him to Keep a Sharp Lookout for All Ice: Archie Jewell.
5. The President of the "Titanic" Inquiry in This Country and the Secretary: Lord Mersey and His Elder Son, Captain the Hon. Charles Bigham.
6. A Seaman Who Told How a Rush of Foreigners Was Stopped, and How Lifeboats Passed among Hundreds Op Dead Bodies: Joseph Scarrott.

Introduction

In the wake of the RMS Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912, the British government swiftly moved to investigate the tragic sinking of the "unsinkable" ship. The British Inquiry into the Loss of the Titanic, held in London starting May 9, 1912, sought to uncover the events that led to the deaths of more than 1,500 people and establish accountability among the crew, the White Star Line, and other involved parties. Presided over by Lord Mersey, the inquiry involved a comprehensive examination of witness testimonies, evidence from survivors and crew members, and detailed technical assessments. This article explores the British Inquiry's methods and proceedings, key testimonies from critical witnesses, and the significant revelations that emerged from the investigation. The findings of this inquiry had far-reaching implications, not only for maritime law and safety regulations but also for public perception of the disaster and its handling by those in charge.

The British Inquiry

The British Inquiry into the loss of the "Titanic" was opened on 9 May 1912 in the London Scottish Drill Hall at Buckingham Gate.

Lord Mersey, the Wreck Commissioner, appointed for the purpose, took the chair at eleven o'clock, accompanied by the Assessors—Rear-Admiral the Hon. S. A. Gough-Calthorpe, Professor Biles, Captain A. W. Clarke, Commander F. C. Lyon, and Mr. E. C. Chaston.

Concerning two of those whose portraits appear on this page, it may be said that, in the earlier stages of the proceedings, Archie Jewell, one of the lookout men of the "Titanic," who was in the crow's nest before the two men who were there at the time of the collision, gave evidence as to having received, by telephone from the bridge, the message. "Keep a sharp lookout for all ice, big and small," and said he did not see any ice.

He also described various details of the disaster. On the same day, Seaman Joseph Scarrott told of how he helped in the launching of the No. 14 lifeboat, stopped a rush of foreigners towards it, and saw the "Titanic" sink; and described how the lifeboat, with three others, passed amongst hundreds of dead bodies floating about.

Witnesses Providing Testimony on the Titanic Disaster. Pictured Above: Lady Duff-Gordon, Seaman George Symons, Fireman Charles Hendrickson, Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon, Fireman Samuel Collins, Seaman R. J. Horswell, Apprentice J. Gibson, Captain Stanley Lord, Witnesses from the "Californian," Officers and Men. The Insert Reads To Make Good Los of Kit, a Cheque for £5 Signed by Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon. The Illustrated London News (8 June 1912) p. 869. The Illustrated London News (8 June 1912) p. 869. GGA Image ID # 102e492c7e

Giving evidence before the British Commission inquiring into the loss of the "Titanic." George Symons, who was in charge of the boat in which Sir. Cosmo and Lady Duff-Gordon, amongst others, were passengers. They said that he thought it would not be safe to go back to attempt to pick anyone out of the water and that no one raised a question in the boat about going back to the rescue.

Charles Hendrickson, a fireman, said that he had concluded that the boat should have gone back and that he was under the impression that Sir Cosmo and Lady Duff-Gordon prevented the lifeboat from returning. They, he alleged, protested against a return.

A Piece of Documentary Evidence. Facsimile of one of the seven checks said to have been given by Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon to the lifeboat crew in which he was saved from the Titanic. The charge is made that this lifeboat left the ship early with a few affluent passengers. It was called "the millionaires' special" by the other survivors. © "Newspaper Illustrations," London. The Literary Digest (25 May 1912) p. 1093. GGA Image ID # 1087436e11

Collins was also in the boat. Edward James Horswell said that he heard nothing about going back.

In the earlier stages of the Inquiry, James Gibson, an apprentice on the "Californian," said that when on duty at twenty minutes past twelve on the night of the disaster, he saw a ship's light and a ship's light rockets fired.

Various other members of the "Californian's" crew and her master, Captain Stanley Lord, also gave evidence when the Court was seeking to establish whether the "Californian" was the vessel whose lights were seen by certain passengers and crew of the "Titanic "and whether the vessel which sent up rockets a few miles away in the ice-field in which the "Californian" spent the night of April 14-15 was the "Titanic."

Officers and Crew from the SS Californian Waiting to Give Testimony During the British Inquiry to the Titanic Disaster. The "Californian" group shows (from left to right): G. Glenn, fireman; W. Thomas, greaser; C. F. Evans, wireless operator; J. Gibson, apprentice; H. Stone, second officer; W. Ross, seaman; C. V. Groves, third officer; and G. F. Stewart, chief officer—the Illustrated London News (8 June 1912) p. 869-h. GGA Image ID # 105cbe0564

Bibliography

"The British Method: The 'Titanic' Inquiry in London," in The Illustrated London News, Vol. 50, No. 1307, New York: The International News Company, 25 May 1912: 782,

"A Piece of Documentary Evidence," in The Literary Digest, Vol. XLIV, No. 21, Whole No. 1153, New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 25 May 1912:1093.

"Called For the 'Titanic' Inquiry, Officers and Men of the 'Californian,'" in The Sketch, London: The Illustrated London News and Sketch, Limited, Vol. LXXVIII, No. 1008, 22 May 1912:201.

Key Points

1. The Opening of the British Inquiry:

   • The British Inquiry began on May 9, 1912, at the London Scottish Drill Hall at Buckingham Gate. Lord Mersey, appointed as the Wreck Commissioner, led the proceedings alongside a panel of assessors, including Rear-Admiral S.A. Gough-Calthorpe, Professor Biles, Captain A.W. Clarke, Commander F.C. Lyon, and Mr. E.C. Chaston.
   • The inquiry aimed to provide a thorough examination of the causes and circumstances of the Titanic's sinking and to recommend changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

2. Testimonies from Titanic Crew and Passengers:

   • Testimonies from survivors such as Archie Jewell, a lookout man, and Seaman Joseph Scarrott provided firsthand accounts of the disaster. Jewell testified about receiving orders to keep a sharp lookout for ice, while Scarrott described launching lifeboats, managing a rush of passengers, and the tragic sight of lifeboats passing among dead bodies in the water.
   • Key witnesses like Lady Duff-Gordon, her husband Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon, and their boat's crew testified about their decision not to return to pick up survivors from the water, sparking controversy and allegations of bribery and self-preservation over rescue efforts.

3. Focus on the SS Californian’s Role:

   • The inquiry closely examined the actions of the SS Californian, a ship that was reportedly nearby when the Titanic sank but did not come to its aid. Testimonies from the Californian’s crew, including Captain Stanley Lord, were scrutinized to determine if the Californian was indeed close enough to see the Titanic’s distress rockets and whether it could have assisted.
   • The evidence presented raised questions about the interpretation of the rockets seen by the Californian’s crew and whether Captain Lord was aware of the Titanic's peril.

4. Controversies and Accusations:

   • Controversy surrounded Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon's actions, with allegations that he prevented the crew of his lifeboat from returning to rescue people in the water. His gesture of issuing checks to crew members after the rescue was viewed by some as a form of bribery to ensure their compliance.
   • Captain Stanley Lord faced harsh criticism for his inaction, and his testimony became one of the most debated parts of the inquiry, leading to a tarnished reputation that would persist long after the investigation.

5. Impact of the Inquiry on Maritime Practices:

   • The British Inquiry’s findings underscored the need for better safety measures, such as the requirement for sufficient lifeboats for all passengers and crew, continuous monitoring of wireless communications, and stricter regulations for ship operations in iceberg-laden waters.
   • Recommendations from the inquiry would influence international maritime laws and the establishment of safety protocols designed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Summary

The article "The RMS Titanic Inquiry in London - 1912" provides a detailed account of the British Inquiry into the Titanic disaster, which was conducted to determine the causes of the sinking and to hold those responsible accountable. Led by Lord Mersey, the inquiry involved a series of testimonies from key witnesses, including Titanic survivors, crew members, and the crew of the nearby SS Californian. The testimonies revealed critical information about the events leading up to the disaster and highlighted the failures in communication, decision-making, and emergency response. The inquiry's findings led to significant reforms in maritime safety practices, including mandatory lifeboats for all passengers, continuous wireless communication monitoring, and more stringent operational protocols for ships navigating hazardous waters. The inquiry also stirred public debate on ethical conduct at sea and the responsibilities of ship officers and passengers during emergencies.

Conclusion

The British Inquiry into the RMS Titanic disaster remains a defining moment in maritime history, marked by its rigorous examination of the events and decisions that led to the catastrophic loss of life. The inquiry not only sought to uncover the truth and assign accountability but also aimed to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again. Through its detailed analysis and public testimonies, the inquiry revealed both human failings and moments of heroism, painting a complex picture of the disaster. The lessons learned from this inquiry reshaped maritime laws and safety regulations worldwide, reinforcing the need for vigilance, preparedness, and ethical conduct at sea. Over a century later, the RMS Titanic Inquiry continues to serve as a crucial reference point for understanding the importance of maritime safety and the profound consequences of negligence and inaction.