Charles Joughin

Charles John Joughin (3 August 1878 – 9 December 1956) was the chief baker on the RMS Titanic. Joughin was born in Birkenhead, Wirral, England on 3 August 1878. He survived in the freezing water for an exceptionally long time. After hours in the water, he was found by Collapsible B and pulled onto the overturned boat. Joughin died in Paterson, New Jersey on 9 December 1956 at the age of 78.

Titanic

He was on board the Titanic for his delivery trip from Belfast to Southampton. When he signed on again, in Southampton on 4 April 1912, he gave his address as Elmhurst Leighton Rd., (Southampton). He transferred from the Olympic. As Chief Baker he received monthly wages of £12 (equivalent to £880 today, adjusted for inflation).

It was Joughin who fortified himself with alcohol, threw deck chairs overboard for flotation devices, rode the stern down and claims to have stepped into the water without getting his hair wet. He claims to have hung on to the side of Collapsible B for hours with most of his body submerged in the icy water, yet survived with virtually no ill effects.

He gave this statement at the British enquiry:

"I got to the starboard side of the poop; found myself in the water. I do not believe my head went under at all. I thought I saw some wreckage, swam towards it and found collapsible boat (B) with Lightoller and about twenty-five men on it. There was no room for me. I tried to get on, but was pushed off, but I hung around. I got around to the opposite side and cook Maynard, who recognised me, helped me and held on to me."

According to his obituary he was also on board the SS Oregon when it sank in Boston Harbor. He also served on ships operated by the American Export Lines, as well as on World War II troop transports.

His wife, Mrs Nellie Ripley Joughin, died in 1943. He died in Paterson, New Jersey on 9 December 1956 leaving a daughter, Miss Agnes Joughin, of Liverpool, a stepdaughter, Mrs Henry (Rose) Stoehr, of Paterson, and nieces and nephews. Charles Joughin was buried at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Paterson.

Film portrayal

Joughin was portrayed by George Rose in A Night to Remember, and by Liam Tuohy in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic.

References

kathryn wintermantel