A Hero Maligned

William Murdoch, first officer on the Titanic, was portrayed by “Titanic” filmmaker James Cameron as a coward who takes bribes, shoots a passenger and takes the coward’s way out by shooting himself in the final scenes.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In life, Murdoch was a modest, able and conscientious officer who rose from a humble background to be a first-rate officer recognized for his excellent abilities and leadership. Throughout the two inquiries after the tragedy and subsequent research, the finger of blame was never pointed at Murdoch. The evidence from survivors portrays a hero who did all that he could to save as many passengers as possible. Indeed, he gave his life-jacket to a passenger and was swept overboard while struggling to launch a lifeboat.

Here in his hometown of Dalbeattie, we remember our local hero annually at our school award ceremony, when the William Murdoch Memorial Prize is awarded to our brightest and best, in memory of a man who gave the most precious gift which any man can give, that of laying down his life to save others.

LINDA KIRKWOOD

Head Teacher

Dalbeattie High School

Scotland