Anthony Wood Frost: Titanic’s Skilled Engineer and Harland & Wolff Veteran

Anthony Wood Frost was a talented engineer and one of the nine-member “guarantee group” from Harland & Wolff shipyard who perished aboard the Titanic. Born on January 2, 1874, in Hull, Yorkshire, England, Frost’s life was marked by his dedication to engineering and his tragic fate on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic.

Early Life and Family

Anthony Wood Frost was born into a family with strong ties to engineering. His father, George William Frost, was an engine fitter, and his mother was Elizabeth Wood. Anthony was one of ten children, growing up in a household that valued technical skills and hard work.

Family Relocation to Belfast

In the early 1880s, the Frost family moved to Belfast, where Anthony’s father found employment with the renowned shipbuilding firm Harland & Wolff. This move would prove pivotal in shaping Anthony’s future career.

Career at Harland & Wolff

Anthony Frost’s career at Harland & Wolff spanned an impressive 24 years, showcasing his dedication and skill in the field of engineering.

Early Career and Apprenticeship

• January 4, 1888: Began work at Queen’s Island as a machine boy
• 1889: Appointed apprentice fitter
• March 1894: Completed apprenticeship
• 1894-1896: Spent two years at sea gaining practical experience

Rise Through the Ranks

Frost’s career progression at Harland & Wolff was marked by several promotions:

1. March 1901: Promoted to leading hand
2. 1907: Succeeded his father as outside foreman engineer

Notable Projects

During his tenure, Frost was involved in several significant naval projects:

• Overhaul of machinery aboard HMS Endymion and HMS Hermes
• Trials of HMS Enchantress, HMS Hibernia, and HMS Minotaur
• Supervision of plant installation aboard Olympic and Titanic

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

On June 12, 1901, Anthony married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jane Hamilton in Belfast. The couple had four children:

1. Robert John Hamilton (1902-1986)
2. Walter Stanley (1905-1985)
3. Marjorie Wood (1907-1995)
4. Doreen Abernethy (1910-1973)

Residence

The 1911 Irish census shows the Frost family living at 11 Sunbury Avenue, Pottinger, east Belfast, where Anthony was listed as a foreman engine fitter.

The Titanic’s Maiden Voyage

The Guarantee Group

Anthony Frost was selected as one of the nine-member “guarantee group” from Harland & Wolff to oversee the smooth operation of the Titanic during its maiden voyage. This selection was a testament to his expertise and the trust placed in him by the shipyard.

Tragic Fate

Sadly, like his colleagues in the guarantee group, Anthony Frost perished when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. He was 38 (thirty-eight) years old at the time of his death. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Legacy and Remembrance

Estate and Family Aftermath

• Frost’s estate, valued at £254, was administered to his widow on July 12, 1912.
• His widow, Lizzie, never remarried and remained in Belfast until her death on February 23, 1961.
• Anthony is remembered on his wife’s headstone in Roselawn Cemetery, Belfast (section E, plot 555).

Family Longevity

Despite the tragedy, many of Frost’s family members lived long lives:

• His last surviving child, Marjorie, died in Belfast on July 17, 1995, at the age of 87.
• Anthony’s last known surviving sibling, Kate Dunlop, passed away in Belfast on June 16, 1967, at the impressive age of 95.

Anthony Wood Frost’s Place in Titanic History

Anthony Wood Frost’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the Titanic disaster. His career at Harland & Wolff, spanning from machine boy to respected foreman engineer, exemplifies the skill and dedication that went into building the great ships of the early 20th century. As a member of the guarantee group, Frost represents the unsung heroes who worked behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of the Titanic, ultimately sacrificing their lives in service to their craft.