Historic Grave of Titanic Officer’s Wife Restored in New Zealand

A neglected grave linked to the RMS Titanic has been restored in Christchurch, New Zealand, drawing attention to the life of Ada Florence Murdoch, the wife of William McMaster Murdoch, who served as the first officer aboard the ill-fated ship. The restoration was spearheaded by retired New Zealand Army major and decorated Afghanistan veteran, Simon Strombom, founder of the New Zealand Remembrance Army (NZRA).

The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage, resulting in the loss of more than 1,500 lives. “It’s a tragedy that still fascinates people to this day,” Strombom remarked, emphasizing the enduring historical significance of the event. While Ada did not serve in the military, her connection to the Titanic made her grave noteworthy, prompting the NZRA to take action.

The NZRA was made aware of the grave’s importance by Dr. Andrew Macdonald, the London-based official historian for the New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association. “We almost fell over backwards when we realized who and what it was,” Strombom recounted, highlighting the unexpected link between Ada and one of maritime history’s most notorious disasters.

Born in Christchurch in 1873, Ada was raised in a politically progressive family. She and her family were early advocates for women’s suffrage, signing a petition in 1892. Her husband, William, born in Scotland the same year, had a maritime career influenced by generations of seafaring tradition. After joining the White Star Line in 1900, he met Ada aboard the Runic in 1903, leading to a long-distance courtship before they married in Southampton in 1907.

Ada visited her husband aboard the Titanic just six days before it embarked on its tragic voyage. Initially appointed chief officer, William was demoted to first officer just before departure. He was in charge when the Titanic struck an iceberg at 23:40 on April 14. During the chaotic evacuation, he reportedly oversaw the launch of approximately ten lifeboats, aiding many survivors.

Controversy has long surrounded William Murdoch’s actions during the disaster. Accounts indicate he was swept into the icy waters as his side of the ship tilted. His body was never recovered, and conflicting reports about his actions emerged in the media. Survivors, including second officer Charles Herbert Lightoller, later defended his legacy, asserting that he remained dutiful until the end. Lightoller penned a letter to Ada expressing “deep sympathy in this, your awful loss,” and emphasized that William “died like a man, doing his duty.”

The portrayal of William Murdoch in James Cameron’s 1997 film about the Titanic sparked outrage among his family and residents of his hometown, Dalbeattie, Scotland. The film depicted him in a negative light, prompting film executives to apologize to the community in 1998.

After the tragedy, Ada returned to New Zealand in 1917, where she lived with her father and sisters in Christchurch. Choosing to remain out of the public eye, she never remarried and often expressed that her only regret was not having children. Ada passed away on April 21, 1941, at the age of 65, and was interred in the Banks family plot at Linwood Cemetery.

The restoration of Ada Murdoch’s grave serves not only as a tribute to her connection to a significant historical event but also highlights the NZRA’s commitment to preserving the legacies of individuals linked to military service and history. Strombom mentioned the organization’s efforts to contact any surviving relatives, although they have yet to succeed. “We suspect they’re probably in Scotland, but there might still be some New Zealand connections,” he noted.

While Ada Murdoch may have lived a quiet life, her story, intertwined with the Titanic, ensures that her legacy remains an integral part of maritime history and remembrance.