Captain Smith and Purser McElroy Aboard the Titanic

One day into its voyage between Southampton and Queenstown, Captain Edward J. Smith and purser Hugh Walter McElroy were photographed here standing aboard the Titanic. Pursers are responsible for managing the finances of a ship. During the sinking, they acted diligently to remove many valuable items from the safe.

As the Chief Purser, McElroy was one of the first crew members contacted by Captain Smith after the Titanic collided with the iceberg. Tragically, both lost their lives in the disaster. Despite having done everything in his power to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew, Captain Smith remained at his post until the very end.