Page 236 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 14 - 18

Mr. Roche: Yes, my Lord. He had said fairly early in examination-in-chief that there was a hole in the bunker after the accident. The Commissioner: After what accident? Mr. Roche: After the accident with the ice - after the collision with the iceberg. The Commissioner: Do you mean a hole knocked through the ship’s side by the iceberg? Mr. Roche: Yes, my Lord, that is Barrett’s evidence. The Commissioner: That is not the hole Mr. Edwards is talking about. Mr. Roche: That is the evidence of Barrett. That is what my friend is thinking of. Mr. Edwards: Allow me to say, my Lord, that I had this so definitely in my mind when I went over the “Olympic” at the inspection that I made special enquiries as to the position where this hole was supposed to have been made. The Commissioner: Of whom did you enquire? Mr. Edwards: Of two officers. The Commissioner: Two officers of the Olympic? Mr. Edwards: Yes. The Commissioner: What did they know about it? Mr. Edwards: It so happened, my Lord, that two of the men employed by the White Star in helping to clear out the coal had also been employed on the “Olympic,” and had conversed with the officers on the subject. The Commissioner: Do you know their names? Mr. Edwards: The officers’ names? No, I do not, my Lord. The Commissioner: Do you know the names of the firemen? Mr. Edwards: Yes, my Lord, the trimmers. The Commissioner: What are their names? Mr. Edwards: With very great respect, my Lord, unless the man is called here as a witness - The Commissioner: Can you give me their names? Mr. Edwards: Yes, my Lord. The Commissioner: Then do so. Mr. Edwards: They shall be supplied to your Lordship. The Commissioner: Do so, please. Mr. Edwards: Very well, then. The Commissioner: What are their names? You seem at all events to be mistaken in supposing that any evidence has been given at this Enquiry of a hole in the wall of that bunker except possibly the hole knocked in it by the ice - which would be the skin of the ship. If you think it worthwhile pursuing it, by all means do so. 19635. (Mr. Edwards - To the Witness.) I was only going to ask one short question upon it - as to whether the fire in that bunker had been reported to you independently of anything which might possibly appear in the log? - I have no doubt it was reported to the Superintendent at Southampton. It would not have come to my knowledge unless it was important. 19636. In these rules issued by the International Company I see that with regard to the boat drill it is suggested that the crews might have boat badges. It is on page 11, paragraph 18, of the red book: - ”Boat and Fire Drill.” - ”If boat badges are used, they will be distributed at the beginning and collected at the end of each passage, before the ship’s arrival in port. A fine will be imposed for the loss of boat badges.” When you drafted that rule had you had any experience in your mind? - I had not. 19637. Had either of the Companies which are now controlled by this Company had any experience of the working or the use of boat badges? - I believe they have made a practice of it. 19638. Do either of the lines now controlled by this Company utilise boat badges? - I think they do, but I cannot speak positively.