Harold Arthur Sanderson

Who was Mr Harold Arthur Sanderson?

Mr Harold Arthur Sanderson was a prominent English shipowner and businessman who played a significant role in the maritime industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He served as the general manager of the White Star Line, a partner in Ismay, Imrie & Co., and later became the President of the International Mercantile Marine (IMM) and Chairman of the White Star Line. Sanderson’s career was closely tied to the Titanic, as he was involved in its operations and participated in the subsequent inquiry following the ship’s tragic sinking.

Early Life and Family

Harold Arthur Sanderson was born on October 20, 1859, in Bebington, Cheshire, England. He was the son of Richard Sanderson (1831-1921) and Eliza Palmer Zara Hicks (1831-1889). His father’s entrepreneurial spirit would significantly influence Harold’s future career path.

Family Business Beginnings

In 1878, Harold’s father, Richard Sanderson, moved to New York City and founded the firm of Sanderson & Son. This early exposure to the shipping industry would prove instrumental in shaping Harold’s career. In the 1880s, Harold took over the management of the family firm, demonstrating his business acumen at a young age.

Marriage and Children

Harold Sanderson married Maud Blood on March 9, 1885, in New York. The couple went on to have five children:

• Lee Sanderson (1887-1941)
• Olga Sanderson (born 1891)
• Harold Winchester Sanderson (1892-1955)
• Basil Sanderson (1894-1971)
• David Sanderson (born 1895)

This large family would become a cornerstone of Harold’s personal life as he navigated the demands of his professional career.

Rise in the Maritime Industry

Return to England and Career Advancement

In 1893, Harold Sanderson returned to England, marking a significant turning point in his career. He took on the management of Wilson & Sons in Hull, gaining valuable experience in the British maritime sector. This position served as a stepping stone to his future role in one of the most prestigious shipping lines of the era.

White Star Line and Beyond

How did Sanderson’s career progress in the shipping industry?

Sanderson’s career took a major leap forward in 1895 when he was appointed general manager of the White Star Line. This position placed him at the heart of one of the most renowned shipping companies of the time. His expertise and leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and in 1899, he became a partner in Ismay, Imrie & Co., the parent company of the White Star Line.

In 1902, when the White Star Line was incorporated into J. Pierpont Morgan’s International Mercantile Marine conglomerate, Sanderson was made vice president of the newly formed giant concern. This promotion expanded his influence across several associated companies, including:

• Shaw, Savill & Albion, Ltd.
• Atlantic Transport Company, Ltd.
• Frederick Leyland & Co., Ltd.
• International Navigation Company, Ltd.

Sanderson’s rise through the ranks of the maritime industry demonstrated his exceptional business acumen and leadership skills.

The Titanic Connection

Delivery Trip and Inquiry

Harold Sanderson’s connection to the Titanic was both professional and personal. He traveled aboard the Titanic during its delivery trip from Belfast to Southampton, sharing the journey with only one regular passenger, Mr. Wyckoff van der Hoef. This experience gave Sanderson an intimate knowledge of the ship before its ill-fated maiden voyage.

Following the Titanic disaster, Sanderson played a crucial role in the aftermath. He appeared before the Board of Trade inquiry led by Lord Mersey, where he made a controversial statement that would be remembered for years to come.

[I do] not feel that it would be a wise or a necessary provision to make; that is to say, to provide boats for everybody on board the ship.

This statement, made in the wake of such a tragic loss of life, highlights the prevailing attitudes of the time regarding maritime safety and the perceived “unsinkability” of ships like the Titanic.

Leadership in the Aftermath

Presidency and Chairmanship

In the wake of the Titanic disaster and the resignation of J. Bruce Ismay in 1913, Sanderson took over as President of IMM and Chairman of White Star Line. This period marked the height of his career in the shipping industry. However, his tenure as President of IMM was relatively short-lived.

What challenges did Sanderson face in his leadership roles?

Sanderson’s leadership was tested during a tumultuous time for the shipping industry. In 1916, just three years after assuming the presidency of IMM, he was ousted from the position and replaced by P.A.S. Franklin. Despite this setback, Sanderson retained his role as Chairman of the White Star Line until 1928, guiding the company through the aftermath of World War I and the changing landscape of transatlantic travel.

Personal Life and Legacy

Later Years

In his personal life, Sanderson enjoyed the fruits of his success, owning a substantial country home at Jenkyn Place, Bentley, Hampshire. This property served as a retreat from the demands of his business life and a place to enjoy time with his family.

Tragedy struck Sanderson’s personal life when his wife, Maud, passed away on March 9, 1927, exactly 42 years after their wedding day. This loss marked a significant change in Sanderson’s life as he entered his final years.

Final Journey

Harold Arthur Sanderson’s life came to an end on February 26, 1932, in Rapello, Liguria, during a tour of Italy to visit his daughter. He was 72 (seventy-two) years old at the time of his death. Sanderson left behind an estate valued at £71,086, a considerable sum that reflected his successful career in the shipping industry.

Harold Sanderson’s life and career spanned a pivotal era in maritime history, from the golden age of ocean liners to the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. His legacy in the shipping industry, particularly his roles with the White Star Line and International Mercantile Marine, continues to be of interest to maritime historians and Titanic enthusiasts alike.