Neglected Grave of Titanic Officer’s Wife Restored in Christchurch

A forgotten grave linked to the Titanic has been restored in Christchurch, New Zealand, belonging to Ada Florence Murdoch (née Banks), the wife of William McMaster Murdoch, the first officer aboard the ill-fated ship. The restoration was spearheaded by Simon Strombom, founder of the New Zealand Remembrance Army, who aims to preserve neglected graves and memorials throughout the country.

The RMS Titanic, a state-of-the-art ocean liner, sank on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York after striking an iceberg on April 14, 1912, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives. The tragedy remains a point of fascination, as noted by Strombom, who described it as a historical event that continues to resonate with people today.

The significance of Ada Murdoch’s grave was brought to the attention of the New Zealand Remembrance Army by Dr Andrew Macdonald, the London-based official historian of the New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association. “We almost fell over backwards when we realised who and what it was,” Strombom remarked, highlighting the unexpected historical connection.

Born in Christchurch in 1873, Ada grew up in a politically progressive family and was an advocate for women’s suffrage, signing a significant petition in 1892. She met her husband, William, a Scottish native born in the same year, on a White Star liner in 1903. Their relationship blossomed during long-distance correspondence, culminating in their marriage in Southampton in 1907.

Ada visited the Titanic shortly before its tragic voyage, expressing awe at the ship’s grandeur. Initially appointed as chief officer, William was demoted to first officer just before the voyage. As the Titanic struck the iceberg at 23:40 on April 14, he was in charge on the bridge, overseeing the evacuation as chaos ensued. While it was reported that a pistol was fired during the evacuation, the responsibility for this act has never been definitively attributed to him.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that William Murdoch played a critical role in saving lives, managing the launch of approximately ten lifeboats. Tragically, he was swept into the icy waters, and his body was never recovered. Following the disaster, surviving officers, including second officer Charles Herbert Lightoller, expressed their condolences to Ada, emphasizing his bravery and dedication. Lightoller’s letter sought to refute sensationalized reports in the press regarding William’s conduct during the evacuation.

The portrayal of William Murdoch in director James Cameron’s 1997 film, which included negative depictions of his actions, caused significant distress for Ada and her family. In response to public backlash, film executives later visited Murdoch’s hometown of Dalbeattie, Scotland, to formally apologize for the representation.

Following the tragedy, Ada returned to New Zealand in 1917, choosing to live a quieter life away from the public eye. She never remarried and is remembered for her resilience, expressing to family that her only regret was not having children. Ada Murdoch passed away on April 21, 1941, at the age of 65, and was interred in the Banks family plot at Linwood Cemetery.

In their restoration efforts, the New Zealand Remembrance Army strives to connect with descendants of the individuals they commemorate. Although efforts to locate Ada’s relatives have been challenging, Strombom hopes to uncover connections that honor her legacy. While Ada Murdoch lived modestly in Christchurch, her ties to the Titanic ensure that her story remains a significant part of maritime history.