I am the great-niece of John Collins, Assitant Cook, who survived after being washed overboard after all the lifebaots had left. He managed to swim to, and cling onto, “the upset boat”, Collapsible B. He is mentioned quite a bit in Colonel Gracie’s book and testified before the Senate Investigative Committee. He was 17, from Belfast, and it was his first voyage. He survived on the upset boat, Collapsible B, along with Jack Thayer, Colonel Archibald Gracie and Commander Lightoller. I live in Australia. Sinead Williams – Melbourne
About This Site
This website relates to the story of the Titanic. The Grand Ocean liner sank during its maiden journey on April 15, 1912. The death toll was 1523 of the 2228 passengers and crew members aboard. There were only 705 that survived. But there is more to the story of the Titanic than just the sinking. There is the connection people feel when they open their hearts to the event. Then there is also the Children of the Titanic, the people that are related to a person aboard the ship. In all reality anyone that feels connected in there heart to the Titanic somehow can be called a “Child of the Titanic”. So on that note! Welcome Aboard the Enchanted Titanic!
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My grandfather’s brother John Collins was a Scullion on the Titanic when it sank. He was one of a large family living in Belfast, two of whom worked for the White Star Line, as far as I know. His other brother Paul sailed with the Lusitania at some stage. My grandfather James was a cabinetmaker and he worked on the cabins of the Titanic before it sailed. My grandfather moved to Dublin – he was certainly living there in 1911 with his wife and one son. My father was born in 1912.
Hi Sinead
Your name seems familiar and so I wonder if we corresponded by e-mail in the 1990s? At that I was towards the end of my research onto Titanic’s surviving scullion and your great-uncle John Collins. I have some more information about his experiences on the Titanic. particularly in the final moments. But I was unable to find out more about his experiences as a POW in Germany during the First World War, which was when he met a man named Clarence Woods, a fellow POW. Apparently, John spoke of his survival of the Titanic disaster and among other things, is probably the only witness who is certain that First Officer William Murdoch did NOT shoot anyone or himself, but died with several others when the ‘wave’ generated by the sudden downward lunge of the ship’s bow washed them all overboard.
I am currently a Senior Member and regular contributor of Encyclopedia Titanica forums. My email has changed since the 1990s and if you feel inclined to respond, please use the address mentioned below.