Grave of Titanic Officer’s Wife Restored in Christchurch

A neglected grave in Christchurch has been restored, honoring the memory of Ada Florence Murdoch, the wife of William McMaster Murdoch, who served as the first officer aboard the RMS Titanic during its ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912. The restoration, led by the New Zealand Remembrance Army (NZRA), not only revives a long-forgotten grave but also rekindles interest in the tragic history associated with the Titanic, which sank after striking an iceberg, leading to the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

The NZRA’s initiative was sparked by Dr. Andrew Macdonald, the London-based official historian for the New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association. He alerted Strombom to the grave’s significant historical context, which has endured despite damage from earthquakes. “We almost fell over backwards when we realised who and what it was,” Strombom said, emphasizing the strong connection to the Titanic tragedy.

Ada Florence Banks, born in 1873 in Christchurch, came from a politically progressive family. She was an advocate for women’s suffrage, signing the petition in 1892. Her husband, William McMaster Murdoch, also born in 1873 in Scotland, became a prominent figure in maritime history. They met aboard a White Star liner in 1903 and married in 1907. By 1912, Ada had the opportunity to visit the Titanic just days before its tragic voyage.

On the night of April 14, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, Murdoch was in charge on the bridge. Controversy surrounds his actions during the disaster. Reports suggest he oversaw the launch of around ten lifeboats, which helped save many lives. “From all accounts from the survivors, he did his job really well,” Strombom remarked. Tragically, Murdoch’s body was never recovered, and he was posthumously portrayed in various media as having acted heroically, despite conflicting narratives that surfaced in newspapers following the disaster.

The portrayal of Murdoch in the 1997 film by director James Cameron sparked significant distress among his family and a backlash in his hometown of Dalbeattie, Scotland, where he is remembered as a hero. Following the film’s release, executives formally apologized for the negative depiction, recognizing the impact it had on Murdoch’s legacy.

Ada Murdoch returned to New Zealand in 1917 after her husband’s tragic death, choosing to live a quiet life away from public scrutiny. She never remarried and passed away on April 21, 1941, at the age of 65. She was laid to rest in the Banks family plot at Linwood Cemetery in Christchurch.

Despite the passage of time, Ada’s connection to the Titanic ensures her story remains relevant in maritime history. “Our charity focuses on restoring service graves, but this story was just so exceptional,” Strombom explained. The NZRA’s commitment to preserving such significant memorials highlights the importance of remembering those who played vital roles in history, even if they were not military personnel.

As the restoration of Ada Murdoch’s grave progresses, Strombom’s team has reached out to potential relatives, hoping to reconnect them with this piece of their family history. While direct descendants may be elusive, the ongoing effort to honour Ada’s memory contributes to the enduring narrative of the Titanic and its legacy. The restored grave not only commemorates her life but also serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with the events surrounding that fateful night in April 1912.