William McMaster Murdoch Biography

William McMaster Murdoch, RNR, was a Scottish sailor, who was the First Officer on board the ill-fated RMS Titanic that sunk during its maiden voyage. He was in charge when the ship hit an iceberg that ultimately sunk it, leading to the deaths of over a thousand people onboard, including him. Born into a family of sailors, he joined his forefathers in the profession after attaining his basic education. He interned at various seafaring companies while passing several certification exams. After serving as an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve, he was employed by White Star Line and worked his way up the ranks. He was noted for his leadership when he saved a ship, ‘Arabic’ from collision. By the time he boarded the ‘Titanic’, he had notched up more than 16 years of experience. On the ill-fated day of the Titanic disaster, he is said to have given certain orders to avoid colliding with the iceberg, but the orders and his death remain controversial and shrouded in mystery. He is hailed as a Scottish hero and has been portrayed in several Titanic related films and documentaries.