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

A grave linked to the Titanic’s fateful voyage has been restored in Christchurch, New Zealand, honoring the memory of Ada Florence Murdoch, wife of William McMaster Murdoch, who served as the first officer on the ill-fated ship. The restoration project, spearheaded by the New Zealand Remembrance Army (NZRA), highlights the historical significance of Ada’s life and her connection to a maritime tragedy that continues to captivate public interest.

Ada Florence Banks, born in 1873, was part of a politically active family in Christchurch. She became well-known not only for her marriage to Murdoch but also for her involvement in women’s suffrage, having signed a petition in 1892. The couple met aboard a White Star liner in 1903 and married in 1907. Ada visited her husband on the RMS Titanic just days before its maiden voyage commenced on April 10, 1912. Tragically, the ship struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, resulting in the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

The NZRA was alerted to the grave’s condition by Dr. Andrew Macdonald, the London-based historian for the New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association. “We almost fell over backwards when we realised who and what it was,” said Simon Strombom, founder of the NZRA. Although Ada did not serve in the military, Strombom emphasized the exceptional nature of her story and the importance of recognizing her connection to the Titanic.

Controversy surrounds William Murdoch’s actions during the disaster. He was in charge of the bridge when the Titanic struck the iceberg. Historical accounts suggest he worked diligently to assist passengers during the evacuation, overseeing the launch of lifeboats and ensuring many survived. According to survivors, Murdoch was committed to his duties until the end. After the tragedy, conflicting reports circulated about his conduct, leading to significant distress for Ada and their family.

In the aftermath of the sinking, Charles Herbert Lightoller, the Titanic’s second officer, wrote to Ada expressing his condolences and refuting sensationalized media claims about Murdoch’s demise. He stated, “Mr. Murdoch died like a man, doing his duty,” a testament to the officer’s character during the crisis.

Despite the media attention surrounding her husband’s role, Ada lived a relatively quiet life after the Titanic disaster. She returned to New Zealand in 1917 and never remarried, expressing to her family that her only regret was not having children. Ada passed away on April 21, 1941, at the age of 65, and was buried in the Banks family plot at Linwood Cemetery.

As part of the restoration process, Strombom and his team made efforts to contact Ada’s relatives, though they encountered difficulty tracing family connections. While Ada’s life was characterized by its quietude, her link to the Titanic ensures that her story remains a poignant part of maritime history and a reminder of the enduring legacy of those affected by the tragedy.

The restoration of her grave not only acknowledges Ada Murdoch’s significance but also underscores the NZRA’s commitment to preserving the memories of those connected to military and maritime history.