Wednesday 10th April 1912
The first day of the Titanic's maiden voyage.
5:17
The sun rose over Southampton, England as Titanic rested in Berth 44.
Captain Smith arrived in his long coat and black bowler hat. Chief Officer Henry Wilde met him on the bridge and handed the Captain the day's sailing report.
In London, a 1st Class Boat Train left Waterloo Station heading for Titanic. It contained passengers Benjamin Guggenheim and Isidor Straus.
Another passenger was Colonel John, Jacob Astor's brother, who would not be sailing with her, but was sending his brother, John, his luggage. He would leave the area and return to London later on. John would embark later that day at Cherbourg, France.
The Boat Train bound for Titanic. The Gentleman to the left is thought to be Colonel John, Jacob Astor's brother
8:00
The muster began, when the Blue Ensign was hoisted up on the stern. In one corner stood the musterers, Captain Benjamin Steele, Captain Smith, Chief Surgeon William Francis Norman O'Loughlin, and Assistant Surgeon James Edward Simpson. While the muster was beginning, Capt. Clarke had come back to test life boat 15. He was pleased, and Smith presented him with his Master Report to the Company, which read:
"I herewith report this ship loaded and ready for sea. The engines and boilers are in good order for the voyage, and all charts and sailing directions are up to date. Your obedient servant, Edward J. Smith."
9:30
The gangway doors were opened for passengers to embark.
The first Boat Train arrived at Southampton dock and passengers started to check in at the terminal and board the Titanic.
10:00
The second and third Boat Train left London for Southampton.
All over the town, people began making their way to the ship, as well as crewmen running aboard for the muster.
J. Bruce Ismay had also arrived, in a black limousine, with his family, who would not be accompanying him on the voyage. He was traveling with his butler, Richard Fry, and his secretary, William Henry Harrison.
11:30
Father Francis Browne embarks onboard Titanic. A priest travelling back to Ireland and a keen photographer, boarded with his camera.
The second and third Boat Trains arrived in Southampton bring more passengers to board Titanic.
Titanic Southampton by Father Francis Browne as he boarded the ship
12:00
Titanic's whistles blew and started to pull away from the dockside.
Lawrence Beesley, a Second Class passenger, watched from his window as three Irish stokers, the Slade brothers, arrived too late. They had misspent their time in a pub called The Grapes. They were not allowed aboard.
Titanic propellers started and began making her way towards the mouth of the dock.
Titanic pulls away from the dockside
12.03
The S.S New York was still tied to the Oceanic. When the Titanic passed Berth 38, the New York got caught up in suction from Titanic's propoellers. The New Yorks lines broke and the ship swung towards the Titanic's side.
Bowyer took charge and used the larger vessel's propeller to push the smaller ship away.
On the tug, Vulcan, Captain Gale went after New York to save the reporters on it. They eventually towed the New York back to her berth and Titanic escaped unharmed.
The S.S New York almost collides with Titanic
12:10
After nearly avoiding a collision, Titanic pulled away and down the River Test.
The spectacle caused commotion on deck amongst passengers.
Titanic leaving Southampton
12:20
Passengers started to make themselves comfortable and make their way to their cabins, make enquiries and familiarise themselves with the ship.
14:00
Titanic is seen passing Cowes, Isle of Wight.
17:30
Titanic arrives in Cherbourg, France and drops anchor just outside of the bay.
Tenders, S.S Nomadic and S.S Traffic ferry passengers to the ship from the dockside.
Nomadic (carrying 1st and Second Class passengers) and Traffic (carrying 3rd Class passengers and mail)
Here, Titanic's most wealthy and most famous passengers board the ship like Margaret Brown, The Astor's, and the Duff Gordon's.
Titanic in Cherbourg, France
20:30
Passengers are sitting down to their first Dinner, which was informal due to the new arrivals.
It was custom at the time for passengers not to change for dinner on the first night of the voyage.
Titanic pulls up anchor and starts sailing out of Cherbourg into the English Channel.
Her lights ablaze against the setting sun, as passengers settle in.
23:00
Lights out. Third class passengers had to be in their cabins by 23:00.
First and Second class facilities were closed to service but passengers could remain and finish their drinks before retiring. After a long day, most passengers were already in their cabins and the ship fell quiet for the night.
Titanic sailed with:
919 Total Crew
326 First Class passengers
265 Second Class passengers
593 Third Class passengers
Written by Chris Walker of RMSTitanic.Design
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