Bruce Ismay
It was said that J.Bruce Ismay was cowardice when he jumped onto a lifeboat "saving his own skin." But was he also at fault for being responsible for the lack of lifeboats aboard, maybe causing the death of thousands.
Embedded Files
Who Is Bruce Ismay?
Who Is Bruce Ismay?
Bruce Ismay was the owner of the White Star Line, and was caught attempting to escape the Titanic on a lifeboat. He was responsible for the lack of lifeboats on the ship, due to his overbearing confidence.
By NPR
Researcher Connie Zhang
Revised By Ikaela Dionisio
The front cover of Frances Wilson's book on J.Bruce Ismay, "How to Survive the Titanic: The Sinking of J. Bruce Ismay"
Citation
Citation
Text :"How To Survive The Titanic, And Sink Your Name", NPR, 15 October 2011, www.npr.org/2011/10/15/141328305/how-to-survive-the-titanic-and-sink-your-name
Abstract
Abstract
Captain Ismay had helped with the idea of creating the Titanic he even owned the ship. He was captain of the White Star Line, which had helped with the creation of this famous ship. He was also the one who suggested to only carry 20 lifeboats, since he thought that the Titanic was so great that it was unsinkable. However, when fate contradicted his thoughts; and he was caught climbing into one of the lifeboats to save himself. He was one of the 325 people who survived the sinking of the titanic, but he gained a horrible reputation in saving himself, when many thought that he was held responsible for the accident. Afterwards, he claimed that he had a right to be one of the people seated on the lifeboats, for he said that he was also a passenger. Though, if he didn’t truly pay for a ticket, was he truly just ‘a passenger’? In the end, he had lost his honor, and died 24 years later.
Notable quotations
Notable quotations
"Ismay, heir to the prominent British White Star Line shipping company, owned the Titanic, and he's the one who said it would be fine to put just 20 lifeboats on a ship that could hold 2,800 people. Why clutter the decks, he argued, when the ship itself is a lifeboat?” (2nd paragraph)
"Some people describe Ismay as getting into the first lifeboat," she says. "Other people describe Ismay as being ordered into a lifeboat by the captain." (2nd line in ‘Ismay’s empty ship’)
"He wasn't a member of the crew. The crew, like the captain, [was] expected to go down with the ship, and this is really what the inquiries focused on: How could he have been a passenger when he didn't pay for his ticket?" (3rd paragraph in ‘Crew or Passenger’)
Summary by Nola Rehder
Revised By Amber Baluyot
Partially flooded with ice-cold seawater, Titanic's Collapsible Boat D approaches RMS Carpathia
Citation
Citation
Text: Louden-Brown, Paul. “History - British History in Depth: Titanic: Sinking the Myths.” BBC, BBC, 3 Mar. 2011, www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwone/titanic_01.shtml.
Image:
Abstract
Abstract
There have been many allegations of how Bruce Ismay is responsible for the deaths of the Titanic. He had been the chairman of the White Star Line and had been accused of pressuring Captain Smith to make the ship go faster in order to 'make a record crossing'. Not only did he make the ship go faster, making it so that there was less time to dodge the Iceberg, but, many say he was being a coward when he took one of the last seats available on a lifeboat while passengers died on his ship.
Notable quotations
Notable quotations
“The myths surrounding Ismay are many but almost all center on allegations of his cowardice in escaping the sinking ship whilst fellow passengers, notably women and children, were left to fend for themselves. The claims made at the time and repeated today were that he 'saved his own skin' whilst others died. (paragraph 1,in "Allegations of cowardice")”
“...he ordered Captain Edward J Smith, Titanic's commander, to 'make a record crossing' thus indirectly causing the collision with the iceberg. It is unlikely that an experienced ship master like Smith, on his last voyage before retirement and the highest paid commander in the mercantile marine, would defer to Ismay on matters of navigation.(paragraph 4, in "Allegations of cowardice")”
A picture sketch of what may have been happening during the sinking of the RMS Titanic
Citation
Citation
Text: Kids Encyclopedia Facts, "J. Bruce Ismay facts", Kiddle Encyclopedia.
https://kids.kiddle.co/J._Bruce_Ismay
Image: https://kids.kiddle.co/images/4/4f/Titanic_the_sinking.jpg
Abstract
Abstract
After Thomas Ismay, Bruce Ismay’s father died, Bruce Ismay took over the White Starline business. Ismay met with Lord Pirrie of the Harland & Wolff shipbuilding company. Together they planned to make the RMS Titanic. The Titanic hit an iceberg and sank 4 days after it’s start on April 10, 1912. After the sinking Bruce Ismay was made a laughing stock and shamed for being responsible for the sinking of the RMS Titanic.
Notable Quotations
Notable Quotations
“Ismay occasionally accompanied his ships on their maiden voyages, and Titanic was one of them. When the ship hit an iceberg south of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and started sinking on the night of April 14, he was rescued in Collapsible Lifeboat C. Taken aboard the Cunard liner RMS Carpathia, he arrived in New York on the 18th. Ismay later testified at Titanic disaster inquiry hearings held by both the U.S. Senate (chaired by Senator William Alden Smith) and the British Board of Trade (chaired by Lord Mersey).(paragraph 7, Personal History)"
"Ismay's new type of ship would not only be fast, but would also have huge steerage capacity and luxury unparalleled in the history of oceangoing steamships. Three ships were planned. One would be White Star Line's pride and joy, the RMS Titanic, which began its maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City on April 10, 1912. (paragraph 6, under, Personal History) "
"Ismay was staring straight ahead, shaking like a leaf. Even when I spoke to him, he paid absolutely no attention. I have never seen a man so completely wrecked. — Jack Thayer, First Class passenger on Titanic (paragraph 9)"
By Jessica Hope
Summary by Ashley Kim
Revised by Amber Baluyot
A photograph of J.Bruce Ismay
Citation
Citation
Text: “4 Revelations about the Titanic Disaster.” History Extra, April 13, 2018 www.historyextra.com/article/maritime/four-revelations-about-titanic-disaster
Image: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fd/41/98/fd4198b5d96cfa5712be3e35d6001fc7.jpg
Abstract
Abstract
Ismay has often been assailed for allegedly driving Captain Smith to increase speed through dangerous waters, and of ordering the ship to resume course after the collision, thus endangering lives. However, as much as Bruce Ismay was involved in the the performance that was taken by the Titanic on the voyage, there is not enough evidence proving Captain Smith was under the influence, to speed up the Titanic, of Ismay. What some people don't know is that Bruce Ismay tried to keep the passengers serene, before eventually jumping onto a life boat.
Notable Quotations
Notable Quotations
“Ismay, meanwhile, has often been assailed for allegedly driving Captain Smith to increase speed through dangerous waters, and of ordering the ship to resume course after the collision, thus endangering lives. He has even been criticized simply because he survived.(paragraph 1, Captain Smith and White Star chairman Bruce Ismay have been the subject of much derision and criticism – but the record suggests that both men have been treated unfairly by history).”
"Following the collision, Ismay helped to calm passengers and even actively participated in the loading of the lifeboats. Only at the very end did he take a seat in a lifeboat himself – a decision about which we let the reader make their own judgment. Ismay suffered irreparable damage to his reputation simply because he survived.(paragraph 7, under "Captain Smith and White Star chairman Bruce Ismay have been the subject of much derision and criticism – but the record suggests that both men have been treated unfairly by history.(paragraph 7,Captain Smith and White Star chairman Bruce Ismay have been the subject of much derision and criticism – but the record suggests that both men have been treated unfairly by history)."
Documents of the Testimony of Joesph Bruce Ismay
Citation
Citation
Text: “United States Senate Inquiry.” TIP | United States Senate Inquiry | Day 1 | Testimony of Joseph Bruce Ismay, Cont., http://www.titanicinquiry.org/USInq2/AmInq01Ismay04.php
Abstract
Abstract
In the testimony of J. Bruce Ismay section 212, Ismay was asked about the intentions of the lifeboats and what the company built them for. Ismay responded to the inquiry by saying that the lifeboats were built to take up a certain amount of space so the ship could be legally sail. This means that there was a minimal amount of lifeboats, this minimal amount would eventually lead to about 1,00 men being left behind on the ship, and even more perishing. Why would Bruce Ismay be responsible for thing? Ismay was the chairman, and managing director of White Star Lines, which means that he was responsible for who goes on the ship, and what goes on the ship as well. If Ismay was more aware about what goes on, and off the ship, less people would’ve perished.
Notable quotations
Notable quotations
“Do you know whether these lifeboats were the lifeboats that were planned for the Titanic?
- I do not quite understand what you mean, sir. I do not think lifeboats are ever built for the ship. Lifeboats are built to have a certain cubic capacity (United States Senate, 212).”
The Logo For the White Star Line
Citation
Citation
Text: "J. Bruce Ismay BRITISH BUSINESSMAN", Amy Tikkanen, LAST UPDATED: Oct 13, 2018 https://www.britannica.com/biography/J-Bruce-Ismay
Abstract
Abstract
Bruce Ismay was the eldest of his siblings. His father, Thomas Ismay was the founder of the White Star Line. At first, he served as the White Star Line agent. Once his father died, he became a chairman of the company. Under his power, White Star became known for its luxury lines. The Olympic was the first to be completed. The Titanic followed because the first ship was a huge success.
Notable quotations
Notable quotations
"Under his direction, White Star became known for its luxury liners.(paragraph 2)"
"British businessman who was chairman of the White Star Line and who survived the sinking of the company’s ship Titanic in 1912.(paragraph 1) "
The book cover for "How To Survive The Titanic Or The Sinking of J.Bruce Ismay"
Text: Brown, L., Paul. Titanic: Sinking the myths BBC History,BBC, 3-3-11, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwone/titanic_01.shtml
Abstract
Abstract
Sadly, there is yet another website with proof of the rushed building, trip, and escape of the RMS Titanic. Although there is no proof of him altering safety patterns and routes there is the moral of making it to New York in record time! But… Evidently that ship is a long way from ever seeing the Empire State.
Notable quotations
Notable quotations
"In a second, more serious allegation, it was claimed he ordered Captain Edward J Smith, Titanic's commander, to 'make a record crossing' thus indirectly causing the collision with the iceberg. It is unlikely that an experienced shipmaster like Smith, on his last voyage before retirement and the highest paid commander in the mercantile marine, would defer to Ismay on matters of navigation. No firm evidence has ever come to light to suggest that Ismay in any way interfered with the navigation of Titanic and, other than talking with the various heads of departments on the ship, conducted himself like many other passengers. Yet the opposite image of him exists today.(paragraph 4, Allegations of cowardice)."
"In reality Ismay helped with loading and lowering several lifeboats and acquitted himself better than many of the crew and passengers. He only entered a lifeboat when it was actually being lowered and no other passengers were in the vicinity. Some witnesses stated he was ordered into the lifeboat but, whatever happened, Lord Mersey said at the British enquiry into the loss of Titanic, 'Had he not jumped in he would simply have added one more life, namely his own, to the number of those lost'.(Allegations of cowardice)."
Thomas Henry Ismay; Father of J.Bruce Ismay and founder of The White Star Line
Citation
Citation
Text: Biography.com Editors ,"Joseph Ismay Biography",The Biography.com website https://www.biography.com/people/joseph-ismay-283616
Abstract
Abstract
Bruce Ismay was the son of Thomas Ismay, the founder of the White Star Line. Bruce Ismay served as the White Star Line agent before being made partner. But once his father passed away, he took the helm at Ismay, Imrie and Company. He was born on December 12, 1862 in Crosby, England.
Notable Quotations
Notable Quotations
" Bruce Ismay took the helm at Ismay, Imrie and Company. He merged the White Star Line with other shipping companies to form the International Mercantile Marine Company. In 1907, he and partner Lord Pirrie decided to build a new ship in response to the growing demand for luxury at sea. The RMS Titanic was to be the largest, most luxurious ship in the world. ("Titanic Voyage") "
"On April 10, 1912, Ismay boarded the Titanic for its maiden voyage, a tradition he followed for all of the company's ships. After he survived the sinking, Ismay started a fund to benefit the widows of lost seamen.(Titanic Voyage, paragraph 4)."
By Cedric Mallari
A small article on Bruce Ismay's affect on woman and children when he took a seat on the RMS Titanic
Text: TPD Turner 2001-2014,"Titanic Personalities Bruce Ismay"
Abstract
Abstract
Once the Titanic was finished, the creator Bruce Ismay showed his creation to the world. However, once the occurrence of the sinking happened, Bruce Ismay supposedly dressed up as a woman thus leading to his escape on a lifeboat as said from witnesses. To add on, his position within White Star Line also gave him the advantage to escape since officers didn’t bother to question him when entering the boat. This incident and his successful attempt to escape led to him becoming a crucial witness in the aftermath Inquiries.
Notable Quotations
Notable Quotations
"Some witnesses stated that Ismay dressed as a woman to evade notice as he climbed into the boat. It is doubtful that he would have gone to such lengths. His position within the White Star Line would have allowed him to slip into the boat unquestioned by the Officers on the Titanic.(paragraph 8)”
"Ismay often sailed on his ships during their maiden voyage, the Titanic being no exception. When the Titanic hit the iceberg Ismay was rescued from lifeboat c. Many said that he should have gone down with the ship in the knowledge that it was under his encouragement that the ship should cross the Atlantic as fast as possible. Ismay was “showing off” his new vessel to the world. Despite Ice warnings the Titanic crossed the ice field at 22½ knots. One wonders if Captain Smith was ordered or perhaps suggested to maintain speed by the “Owner” of the White Star Line and hence ignore ice warnings or at least to underestimate them.(Titanic Personalities Bruce Ismay, paragraph 6)."
Credits
Credits
Amber Baluyot- Manager, and Abstract
Ikaela Dionisio- Spelling and Grammar Check
idionisio0002@mymail.lausd.net
Cedric Mallari- Graphics
Ronan Furlong- Link Checker
Sofia Mah- Candelaria- Creating two new sources
smahcande0001@mymail.lausd.net
Darrin Pada- Back round Images
Ravi Smith
Report abuse