William Francis Norman O'Loughlin was the ship's surgeon of the Titanic. He died in the sinking.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Dr. William Francis Norman O'Loughlin was born in 1849. Left an orphan on the death of his parents O'Loughlin was brought up by his maternal uncle Benjamin Matthews, in Tralee. There seems to be some confusion about where Dr. O'Loughlin received his medical education, with some reporting he received his education at Trinity College Dublin, and other that he was educated at the Cecelia Street Medical School, which was part of the Catholic University and eventually formed part of University College Dublin. What is certain is that in 1870 O'Loughlin received the Licentiateship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and in the following year he received his Licentiateship of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the two Licentiateships being the equivalent of a medical degree and allowing him to practice as a doctor.
Career at Sea[]
Following his qualification Dr. O'Loughlin decided on a career at sea, and he served with the White Star Line for many years. Dr. O'Loughlin's 40 years at sea where not without incident.
RMS Titanic[]
In April 1912, when Dr. O'Loughlin boarded the Titanic in Belfast he was Senior Surgeon of the White Star Line and aged 63 years.
According to colleague Dr. J.C.H. Beaumont, O'Loughin had some misgivings ablut joining the new ship:
"Whether he had any premonitions about the Titanic (I think it is known that (purser) McElroy had) I cannot say, but I do know that during a talk with him in the South Western Hotel he did tell me that he was tired at this time of life to be changing from one ship to another. When he mentioned this to Captain Smith the latter chided him for being lazy and told him to pack up and come with him. So fate decreed that 'Billy' should go on the Titanic and I to the Olympic".
Throughout the voyage, he regularly dined with Thomas Andrews, and 14 April was no exception, he dined in A la Carte Restaurant with Joseph Bruce Ismay.
Death[]
After the collision, he whispered to stewardess Mary Sloan: "Child, things are very bad". As the water had reached C-Deck, he stood quietly with Purser Hugh Walter McElroy, Assistant Purser Reginald Barker, and Assistant Surgeon J. Edward Simpson, for a brief time they were joined by 2nd Officer Lightoller, they shook hands and said goodbye. He and the others laughed when Simpson joked about Lightoller sweating
Chief Baker Charles Joughin stated that around 1:45, he noticed O'Loughin nearby him searching for something. Joughin did not ask what he look for but he may be had a similar idea to the baker.
O'Loughin died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, were never identified.
Portrayals[]
Titanic (1943)[]
Dr. William O'Loughlin in the 1943 Film Titanic.
| “ |
"I'll go see the lovely people" |
” |
—Steward and William O'Loughlin | ||
Dr. William O'Loughlin is first seen with two stewards, one of which the Chief Steward, gossiping about the net worth of passengers walking down the Grand Staircase. O'Loughlin reveals himself to be the Titanic's unofficial detective when he notices Cristabol Mendoz, who he reveals has spent years in prison. He promises to catch Mendoz during a robbery, or resign as detective. On April 14th, he is seen again with the Chief Steward, remarking his surprise that it appears Mendoz and Professor Bergman know each other. He later reveals to one of White Star Line's shareholders that Lady Astor's jewelry box was stolen, and that he caught the thief, which was Mendoz. When Astor appears in the bar during the sinking, he returns the jewels, shocking Astor, who believed Lord Archibald Douglas was responsible.
Titanic (1953)[]
| “ |
I'll send in the ship's doctor." |
” |
Although Dr. William O'Loughlin never appears in person in this version, Julia Sturges mentions him once, when she takes George S. Healey back to his cabin after he almost fainted from drunkenness. She says that she is going to call the ship's doctor, but he rejects her suggestion.
A Night to Remember (1958)[]
Joseph Tomelty as William O'Loughlin in A Night to Remember (1958)
| “ |
People first, things second. Your very good health, Mr. Andrews. |
” |
—William O'Loughlin to Thomas Andrews | ||
Dr. William O'Loughlin was portrayed by Joseph Tomelty in A Night to Remember. He first appeared when he was on his way to Thomas Andrews' cabin, while he met 2nd Officer Lightoller, where they chatted a little.
O'Loughlin asked what Thomas was doing, and advised Thomas not to always be busy, for the sake of his health. He didn't appear again after that.
S.O.S. Titanic (1979)[]
William O'Loughlin with the Countess of Rothes in S.O.S. Titanic
| “ |
Poor creature, is she in pain, Doctor?" |
” |
—Countess of Rothes and William O'Loughlin | ||
Dr. William O'Loughlin appeared briefly in S.O.S. Titanic during the dinner on April 14, 1912. He told the Countess of Rothes that he had just medicate Irene Harris who had just fallen from the Grand Staircase. His actor is uncredited.