Chief Officer Henry T Wilde

[Captain Erik D Wood]

Good Morning All,

I am a Titanic Historian as well as current Captain for a passenger line. I have been having some trouble determining exactly what happend to Wilde. It is commonly said that he was seen being washed over the starboard side when Titanic began her plunge. He was seen last I do believe by Lightoller who said he was with Murdoch and Moody trying to free the other collapsable. I have yet to hear if he was seen in the water and I do know his body was not recovered. I have also read as of late on another Titanic site that Wilde was hesitant and did not do his duty to his fullest. I tend to not believe this and wonder if any of you have any theories or sources with a more descriptive account of what he did that night. I would love an email on the subject and if you all have any questions about Smith or Lightoller I would love to try to help.

 

[Inger Sheil]

Hallo, Erik -

Lightoller did not see Wilde towards the end, unfortunately: at the English Inquiry, he made the following statement when specifically questioned about the Chief Officer:

"The last I remember seeing of Mr Wild(e) was quite a long time before the ship went down."

I agree with you that Wilde was not hesitant in doing his duties - an examination of the eyewitness accounts reveals his involvement in the loading of a number of boats.

Regards,

Inger

 

[Erik Wood]

In the audio interview and in Lightollers book he states that he and a sailor who he later determined to be Hemmings were attemping to put the collapisble on the deck before the plunge and successfully pushed it to the deck. As the plunge began he saw Murdoch, Wilde, Moody, and other seaman and passengers attempting to cut it free. Now in the inquiry he does not say this. It is often thought because of his insubordination with Wilde when Wilde ordered him to take a boat. But in the British Inquiry which I am still in the process of re-reading Lightoller is asked about the fate of Murdoch and that is when he says of the last time he saw Wilde. I have noticed many inconistansies with the inquiries and books written by or about the people involved.

 

[Inger Sheil]

I'm sorry, Erik, but I have to disagree with you on this being in the book and his audio interview (the BBC interview, presumably?). Can you please cite the exact text/transcript where he identifies seeing Wilde and Moody? If you go back and review the sources, I think you'll find that there is no mention of these two officers.

Regards,

Inger

 

[Erik Wood]

If you are correct, then why does the BOT inquiry say that Wilde and Murdoch were last scene cutting free the last collapasible. Was that a assumption or a fact. The transcript I can not find or have not found yet if you have source if I could please have. Perhaps you also know why the two inquiries have different testimony. I assume because it happened at two different times. The transcript or the part of it that I have is sometimes vague and does not mention who said what, merely that is was said. You are right about Moody, my old age is adding up. I think I mistakenly assumed general Sea Going thought for fact. I tend to do that when surronded by marniners all the time. You are a very good debator and I like this challenge. Will admit that I was not prepared for someone with your knowledge.

 

[Inger Sheil]

Oh, I'm not a particularly good debator - you've just happened to hit upon a topic I'm particularly interested in No witness at either inquiry referred to seeing Wilde at the last collapsible. Moody was only placed there through Hemmings testimony, and through the second hand report of Lightoller (who had not seen him personally).

I'm very glad to see another mariner posting on Phil's board, by the way. There are a couple here, and they add an inestimable amount to the discussions by virtue of their practical experience. I'm looking forward to the insights your background gives you, as I'm a decidedly lubberly contributor. My only experience comes from spending a few weeks at a time aboard scubadiving livaboards or on weekend boat dives, and it consists of knowning when to stay out of the way of the nice people in charge of the boat. I'm fortunate that I work with a close friend and collaborator who works in the merchant marine, and I rely a good deal on his knowledge.

Inger

 

[Erik Wood]

Inger,

What are your thoughts on Wilde's appearance in the forward right after the collasion. His where abouts after his relief are somewhat unknown. But is commonly said that he joined the inspection with Smith, Boxhall, and Andrews and then did his duty. It is also said by Lightoller I do believe that he was hesitant but Lightollers shipwreck experiences before led him to ask Smith who happend to be walking by. I realize the Lightoller used Wilde as the Chain of Command, however Wilde did not seem to want to lower away and waited for Smith. Who, it is said had become indecisive around that time. What are your thoughts on Wilde's indecision in the beginning. I don't think that he realized that the ship would sink even though it was said. I believe in Lightollers book he didn't believe it until the deck began to become steeper and steeper.

 

[ken warke]

As a new member to ET I am interested in all I can find out about Chief Officer Henry T Wilde as I have recently found out that he is mentioned on my family tree on my mothers side. I would like to know if there is a photograph available of him. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated. I look forward to all your help.

Many thanks.

 

[Jordan Wyatt McGlothlin]

Hello,

If you do need more information on Cheif Officer Henrey Tingle Wilde I have a lot on him just add a question and I will answer it.

--J.M.

 

[Jordan Wyatt McGlothlin]

Hello Ken,

No I have not found a photo of him on this site sorry. You might try another site but this is the number one site so i wouldn't look but look up some of his kin and you might find a photo of him i hope i was of help.

--J.M.--

 

[HEATHER MILLS]

IM LOOKING FOR ANY INFORMATION REGARDING HENRY TINGLE WILDE , MY MOTHER HAS LEARNT THAT HE IS A RELATIVE ON HER SIDE AND NEEDS INFORMATION ON HIS MOTHER AND FATHER IF POSSIBLE

 

[Haashir Ahmad]

I don't in which article I read this but it said that that the Chief officer was smoking a cigar and watching the bow go down right in front of him, but it also says that the witnesses could've mixed up Wilde For Murdoch!