15/04/2025
Remembering Our Region's Titanic Heroes... On April 15th 1912, at 2:20am, the White Star Liner R.M.S. sank in the North Atlantic. Over 1500 souls were lost. Today, 113 years after the sinking, we remember those who perished: among them, three brave men from Dumfries and Galloway.
John (Jock) Law Hume, Titanic Violinist, hailed from Dumfries, setting sail on the ill-fated 'Ship of Dreams' aged just 21. He and his seven fellow bandsmen have become the stuff of legend, immortalised for continuing to play as the ship went down.
There is some debate as to the final piece - Nearer My God to Thee being the most famous. Others say it was a livelier tune, with a view to calming panic and keeping spirits up amidst the horror. Their bravery lives on.
Thomas Mullin, Jock's school pal, also from the town, was a third-class steward. Aged just 20, he was a kind young man who always took care of his family. It is believed Tom helped people into the few lifeboats available: 'he was, he was sure, just as heroic as anyone, helping the women and children to get off the boat, and was left to go down himself.’ (Judge MacCauley, Dumfries). Tom and Jock are buried in Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
A 'native of Dalbeattie', First Officer, William McMaster Murdoch, was a decent, highly respected man. Of the many heroic acts that night, reports of the day describe Murdoch's efforts to place two babies in a lifeboat, hopeful they would receive safe passage away from the stricken vessel. His body was never recovered.
Rest in Peace...
Photo Info
No. 1 John Law Hume courtesy of Christopher Ward
No. 2 Thomas Mullin courtesy of Dumfries and Galloway Standard
No. 3 williammurdoch.net, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
No. 4 & 7 John Law Hume's former home, George Street
No. 5 Titanic taken from: 'Titanic in Photographs' part of authors collection (Klistorner, Hall, Beveridge, Braunschweiger & Andrews)
No. 6 Tour guests assemble at Titanic Memorial
Nos. 8&13 Titanic Obelisk, Dock Park
No. 9 Tour guests view memorial plaque at St Michael's School
No. 10 Murdoch Memorial, Dalbeattie
No 11 Titanic model made by Beattock Primary School pupil
No 12 - John pays resepects at Mullin family grave
No 14 Mullin family grave
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