I'm not sure if this has come up before or not, but I've wondered in the back of my mind if there wasn't some animosity (one sided or mutual) between Lightoller and Wilde? Moreover, what impact would this have had during the ship's evacuation?
For example, Lights not once but twice went over Wilde's head during the early evacuation, first about swinging out the boats, and then about loading them. Both times Wilde said "No," to which Lights immediately went to Smith and asked again, getting a "yes" both times. I find this fascinating: not once, but twice, Lightoller was given an answer by a superior, ones he disagreed with, and so he went up higher. I don't think it is a matter of Lightoller being better informed than Wilde about the fate of the ship (Wilde had seen the flooding firsthand, while Lights at that early point had only been told by Boxhall that they were damaged). It seems that Lights did not trust Wilde's opinion, or put much stock in it.
And then there is Lightoller's own comment about Wilde ordering him to take charge of Collapsible D, to which he replied "Not damn likely."
That is quite a statement to make to a superior, and certainly seems to underline a lack of respect for Wilde.
Could this be because of the shuffling in rotation, and his demotion to 2nd officer when Wilde came aboard as temporary Chief?
What do you all make of this assessment?
Best,
BR