The Band

One of the most discussed topics of Titanic is of the heroism of the bandsmen. On 15 April, aboard the sinking Titanic the band assembled themselves in the first-class lounge, playing lively ragtime tunes to calm the nerves of the passengers. They later went up to the boat deck and continued playing music from outside the entrance to the grand staircase. As it gradually started to become apparent the ship was going to sink the band continued to play, although they now began to play hymns, these brave men just kept playing, they all died with the ship.

Their is much debate over the tital of the final peice of music, many belive near my god to thee but some say Autum. Then their is another debate as their is three diffrent versions of Near My God To Thee, Bandmaster Wallace Henry Hartley was very fond of the hymn and requested it played at his funeral. A close friend of Wallace Hartley stated he had asked Hartley what he would play if he was on a sinking ship and was told "Nearer, My God, to Thee“.

The bands men ceartinly did play to the near end, and although not a confirmed fact it is thought most likley that the final hymm was near my god to thee as depicted here.

Survivor Eva Heart Says she knows is the trcorrect version of the him because she heard it in church as a child a few months lafter the sinking and had to leave through distress.

The Bandsmens widdows were treat apaulingly not only did their pay stop at the time the ship sank but one of the widdowed familys were harrased by the agency for the cost of the uniform. When it came to compensation no one would take responsability for the band payout, White Star argued that the bandsmen were neither passangers or crew so were not covered by any of their insuerances while the bands agency argued they beleved the bandsmen to be employees of the ship. Amonkst all the arguing the widdows were litterly pushed aside and forgotton about. These gentlemen are classed as some of the bravest Heros of the Disaster. We can only wonder how they would feel to know how their families were treat.

The company these men worked for was Messers C.W. and F.N. Black of Liverpool not the white star line they were classed as working passengers. Until 1912 they were paid 6 pounds and 10 shillings a month plus a monthly uniform allowance of 10 shillings. Then the rates were cut to 4 pounds a month with no uniform allowance.

The body of bandmaster Wallace Hartley was laid to rest on May 18, 1912 where 30,000 mourners packed the streets of Colne, in the hills of Lancashire.
As his rosewood casket was carried throughout the streets, seven bands played. Musicians, Aldermen, police, clergy, miners and the curious all attended.

On 30th April, 1912, Jock Hume's father received this short and unwelcome note from Blacks who had the contract to provide musicians to the white star line

The uniform account included items such as: lyre lapel insignia (2 shillings), sewing White Star buttons on tunic (1 shilling), and the total bill was 14 shillings and 7 pence.

Dear Sir:

We shall be obliged if you will remit us the sum of 5s. 4d., which is owing
to us as per enclosed statement. We shall also be obliged if you will settle
the enclosed uniform account.

Yours faithfully,
C.W. & F.N. Black