Mr William McMaster Murdoch, 39, was born on 28th February 1873 at "Sunnyside", Dalbeattie, Dumfries, Scotland, the fourth son of Samual Murdoch and Jane 'Jeannie' Muirhead.
Murdoch joined the White Star after serving on sailing vessels. He served aboard the Medic and the Runic on the Australian run. Later he was transferred to the Atlantic steamers Arabic, Adriatic, Oceanic, Olympic and finally Titanic.
As sailing day approached, however, Captain Smith made Henry Tingle Wilde, of the Olympic, his Chief Officer. This caused the original Chief Officer Murdoch to step down to First Officer.
Murdoch was on the bridge at the time of the collision. He worked diligently to load lifeboats and died in the sinking, his body, if recovered, was never identified.
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