Identity of officers in Cork Examiner photo

B

Brian Robert Rose

Member
On page 108 of the first American edition of Eaton and Haas "Titanic: Triumph and Tragedy," there is a photograph of two officers and a crewman at one of the gangway doors of Titanic, as she prepared to disembark Queenstown. The book ID's the officers as (Left to right) 4th officer Boxhall, and 2nd officer Lightoller. However, the officer in center clearly has two stripes on his sleeve, meaning it cannot be Boxhall. I am inclined to say that it is Murdoch, since the first officer carried two stripes on his sleeve, but does anyone know if, in the sudden change of ranks with the addition of Wilde, they had time to also change the uniforms. If not, then the officer in the center could be Lightoller, since he was the original 1st officer. Any thoughts? Also, any idea who the second officer is? He is too indistinct for me to make a positive ID. I tend to think Boxhall or Moody, but I'm not sure.
Best,
BR
 
The original newspaper caption wasn't clear on this point, Brian - IIRC, it merely mentioned 'officers'. The photo is often heavily retouched, and the confusion is compounded by questions of whether or not the officers changed the stripes on their uniforms (arguments have been made both ways, and consensus on this point has not yet been reached).

These days the identification often runs that Lightoller on the left, standing straighter, and Murdoch on the right. I've also seen it suggested that it's Boxhall on the right. Working just on physical appearance, it could be either Boxhall or Murdoch. I'd be willing to wager, based again on appearance, that it's not Moody. I do find it interesting that two senior officers might have been there.
 
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