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Harold Godfrey Lowe was just 28 years old when he became 5th Officer onboard R.M.S Titanic. The Maiden Voyage of the Great Liner was also the young Welshman's first crossing of the Atlantic. At the age of 14, his Father attempted to apprentice him to a Liverpool Businessman, but Lowe, being the hard to suppress character that he was, brushed aside his Father's efforts and said he " Wouldn't work for nobody for nothing ".
Shortly afterwards, Lowe ran away to a life after his own heart, a life at sea. He soon found work on Schooners and Square-riggers and then spent 5 years steaming along the African Coast.
At the time of the collision with the Iceberg, Lowe was asleep in his quarters. Upon hearing voices he dressed and made his way to the bridge where the news of the incident was discovered. Later, as he worked the Davits on boat No.5, he was approached by a gentleman who proceeded to chant " Lower away, Lower away! ", Lowe instantly stood and screamed at the man " If you'll get the hell out of the way, I'll be able to do something!, you want me to lower away quickly? you'll have me drown the lot of them!. " To this, and without a word, the male slowly walked forward to boat No.3. Unknown to Officer Lowe, the gentleman who he so hastily scolded, was none other than Mr Bruce Ismay, President of the White Star Line.
It was 5th Officer Lowe who fired his revolver, (Three Times), down the port side of the Ship during the loading of boat No.14. This was done to quell the rush on the boat during lowering. It was also Lowe who returned to the area where Titanic sank to look for survivors (The only boat to do so) where upon 4 men were plucked from the wreckage.
At about 07.00am (15.04.12) boat No.14 finally reached the Carpathia, on his way to meet the rescue ship, Lowe came across Engelhardt D, which was in a bad way, so he quickly threw them a guide line and proceeded to tow them to safety. As the survivors from the boats climbed the ladders to the decks of the Carpathia, Lowe remained behind, to unship the mast and stow the sail. He enjoyed a Tidy Boat.
Above, is a copy of the Discharge papers presented to 5th Officer Lowe following the foundering of Titanic. I purchased the Document from an Antique Dealer in Wales in August 1999, who stated they were originally purchased from an Auction several years ago. On close inspection, by the Archives Department of a local museum, the Document was considered to be a possible forgery, but still very old none the less. After deciding to write a page dedicated to the Officer himself, I carefully removed the Document from it's damaged frame. On doing so, I discovered a very old hand-written poem, (which carried no signature), tucked between the the Discharge Paper and the back of the frame.
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise me on where I could have the papers authenticated a second time, or if there are any living descendants of 5th Officer Harold Godfrey Lowe. If the Documents are original, I would love to return them to the family of this most gallant man.
If you can help with any of the above requests, or you have any further information concerning Officer Lowe, please contact me by using the hyperlink below.
