15 Facts About Joseph Boxhall

Joseph Boxhall was born into an established seafaring tradition: His grandfather had been a mariner, his uncle was a Trinity House buoymaster and Board of Trade official, and his father was a respected master with the Wilson Line of Hull.

Joseph Boxhall's apprenticeship lasted four years, during which time he travelled extensively.

Joseph Boxhall then went to work with his father at Wilson Line, and obtained his Master's and Extra-Master's certifications in September 1907, giving him the highest marine certificate of any officer aboard Titanic.

Joseph Boxhall updated the ship's position at 10:00, incorrectly determining that any ice was to the north of the ship.

Joseph Boxhall went off to inspect the damage and on his way down he came across passengers on the forward well-deck playing with ice.

Joseph Boxhall went as far as F-Deck and found no damage, but was later intercepted by the ship's carpenter, John Hutchinson, who informed him that the ship was taking water, which was later confirmed by a mail clerk to Boxhall and Captain Smith.

Joseph Boxhall did not actually see Titanic founder, as her lights had gone out and his lifeboat was about.

Joseph Boxhall was the first person to testify that he saw another vessel in proximity while Titanic sank.

Joseph Boxhall was promoted to lieutenant in the RNR on 27 May 1915.

Joseph Boxhall returned to White Star following the war in May 1919, having married Marjory Beddells two months prior.

Joseph Boxhall served as First Officer on SS Berengeria and as Chief Officer on RMS Scythia.

Joseph Boxhall was a generally taciturn and quiet man, usually reluctant to speak about his experiences on Titanic.

Joseph Boxhall's health deteriorated rapidly in the 1960s, and he was eventually hospitalised.

The last surviving deck officer of Titanic, Joseph Boxhall died of cerebral thrombosis on 25 April 1967 at the age of 83.

Joseph Boxhall is commemorated with a green plaque located at his former home at The Avenues, Kingston upon Hull.