Chief Officer Henry Wilde

Chief Officer Henry Tingle Wilde (1872-1912) was a family man who was also a man of the sea.  He had a wife and children at home in Liverpool and he had multiple ships in which he served as officer.  His life was full of success as he rose in rank and did well in the White Star Line, and one which had joys such as his family, but it also had much tragedy.  He did miss his family quite a bit while he was away and that coupled with his father in law Taid passing away of cancer and a short time later, his wife dying along with their twins in 1910 made him very depressed.  But he carried on, being transeferred to Chief Officer of the RMS Olympic in 1911, which at that time was the largest, most luxurious ship in the world.  In 1912, the original plan was for Wilde to become captain of the RMS Cymric and multiple officers (some of whom were on the Olympic) to take the Titanic on her maiden voyage.  Alas, the RMS Cymric's voyage was cancelled due to the coal strike.  Shortly before the Titanic's maiden voyage, it was decided to change the line up of the Titanic officers.  Chief Officer Murdoch and 1st Officer Lightoller were temporarily demoted a rank and 2nd Officer David Blair left the ship at Southampton to make way for Chief Officer Wilde to help the Titanic on her maiden voyage.  The move is often attributed to the fact he had experience with the Olympic which was of similar size to the Titanic and not many officers had experience with ships that large.  Wilde is one of the more underrated officers of the Titanic.  Despite the fact he was Titanic's 2nd highest ranking officer and fairly active throughout the ship, he isn't talked about as much during the sinking.  But his presence was definitely all over the Boat Deck during the launching of the boats.  We know he ensured the senior officers did have guns to keep order among the passengers in case of panic and he was actively supervising the loading and launching of the lifeboats.  His name has also been put forward as possibly the officer that committed suicide, since he was last seen working near the spot the officer suicide supposedly happened.  The last confirmed sighting of him was as he was trying to launch Collapsibles A and B as the sea washed the boats and those on deck away from the ship.  His body was never recovered.  His remaining children were cared for during the rest of their upbringing by his sister in law and brother in law. 

This letter written in 1909 was sent by Henry Wilde as he was serving as Chief Officer of the RMS Canopic.  Around the time he wrote this letter, his father in law "Taid" had just become very ill with cancer which caused him great concern.  This letter written to his brother in law, Owen Williams.  It seems from his other letters that he confided in his in laws quite a bit, expressing his feelings with quite a bit of honesty.  

Dear Mr. Williams Thank you very much for you letter which was awaiting me on arrival here on Monday evening. It was with the deepest regret that I read your letter and with the very sad news about Taid, and I fear he must be in a very bad way. I can't tell you how it has upset me to have such a report from both Dr. Taylor and McKenna. I had no idea that Taid was in such a serious way. Of course I quite understand that Pollie would not be aware that his case was so hopeless. She has been living in hopes that the Doctors were doing something for him, if not able to make a complete cure, to at least prolong the growth of the disease. I am afraid it will be a great shock to all when they hear such news and my sympathies go out o them altho so far away. I notice what you say about Taid's private affairs which I will treat with every confidence, but must tell you that I very much regret that Taid should have choosen me to have anything to do with his affairs. Of course you will quite understand what I mean without my going into details and I would very much prefer to be an outsider when the end comes. Taid has never in any way given me to understand that I would have anything to do with his affairs in any way and it is rather a surprise for me to hear from you. Had I known I would certainly have asked him to leave my name out altogether. I have decided to write Capt. Murray and ask him to transfer me too one of the home boats which will be some comfort to Pollie if I am able to be in Liverpool every few weeks. I cannot say what he will have to offer me in the Liverpool ships but anything will be preferable to this, as I have never really settled down in this trade. I will probably hear from him in Naples what he intends to do, and if he relieves me will possibly be on our return to this port. As regards Ada's money I am quite in the dark about that. Pollie I think did mention that some change taking place in the investment but no details and I have not heard anything about same since. I am sorry that on top of your own business worries you should have by Sister's also and I am grateful to you for your kindness to her and am quite sure you will do the best you can for her. I have nothing of interest to tell you about myself or my life out here, the same routine day after day and a constant longing for some change of place. I had a letter from Annie which I should have received last voyage please thank her for the same. I wrote Annie from Gibralter. I trust that you are all keeping well at home during the severe weather. I notice by the papers that the weather in England has been very bad. Give my love to Annie and the twins and kindest regards to the boys and yourself. From Yours Sincerely, Harry

If you would like to learn more about Henry Wilde, there is no better source than the man himself.  And there is no other place to read his letters so completely than in "Sincerely, Harry" by Michael Beatty.  This collection of letters which includes the letter above will give you a glimpse into his largely unknown life and allow you to get to know the man himself.  You can get the book here:  http://www.lulu.com/shop/michael-beatty/sincerely-harry/paperback/product-23423507.html