James William Van Billiard

Who was Master James William van Billiard?

Master James William van Billiard was a young American passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in France on August 20, 1901, he was just 10 (ten) years old when he embarked on his tragic journey. James was traveling in third class with his father, Austin Blyer van Billiard, and his younger brother, Walter. Sadly, like many others, James lost his life in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Franco-American Beginning

James William van Billiard’s life began in France, where he was born to Austin Blyer van Billiard and Maude Murray. This international birth suggests a family with ties to both Europe and America, possibly indicating a background of travel or expatriate living.

Family Dynamics

While details about James’s early years are limited, we know he was the elder of two brothers. His younger sibling, Walter, was also aboard the Titanic with him. The presence of both boys traveling with their father raises questions about the family’s situation:

• Were they returning to America after living abroad?
• Was this a father-sons trip, or was the entire family relocating?
• What role did their mother, Maude Murray, play in this journey?

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Fateful Voyage

On April 10, 1912, young James, along with his father and brother, boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton, England. They were among the thousands of passengers filled with excitement and anticipation for the maiden voyage of this “unsinkable” ship.

Third Class Passage

The van Billiard family traveled in third class, also known as steerage. Their ticket number was 851, and the fare for their passage was £14 10s, equivalent to about £10 per person. This amount, while significant for the time, was considerably less than the luxurious first-class tickets.

Titanic Fact: Third-class accommodations on the Titanic, while basic, were considered superior to those on many other ships of the era.

Life Onboard

Although we have limited information about James’s specific experiences on the Titanic, we can imagine what life might have been like for a 10-year-old boy in third class:

• Exploring the ship’s designated areas for third-class passengers
• Possibly making friends with other children on board
• Experiencing the excitement of being on the world’s largest and most luxurious liner

The Tragic Night

April 14-15, 1912

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg, leading to one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. For young James, his father, and his brother, this would be their last night alive.

The Struggle for Survival

As a third-class passenger, James and his family would have faced significant challenges in the chaotic evacuation:

• Third-class areas were located furthest from the lifeboats
• Many steerage passengers were unfamiliar with the ship’s layout
• Language barriers and confusion added to the difficulty of escape

A Family Lost

Tragically, none of the van Billiard family survived the sinking. James, at just 10 years old, perished along with his father and brother. The loss of an entire family unit underscores the devastating impact of the disaster on countless families.

Legacy and Remembrance

Unidentified but Not Forgotten

James’s body, if recovered, was never identified. This sad fact was true for many Titanic victims, especially those from third class. However, his story, along with those of his family members, continues to be told as part of the larger Titanic narrative.

A Young Life Cut Short

The loss of James William van Billiard at such a young age serves as a poignant reminder of the many children who perished in the Titanic disaster. His story represents the dreams and potential of a generation that was partially lost on that cold April night.

Historical Significance

James’s story, while brief, contributes to our understanding of the diverse passenger manifest of the Titanic. It highlights the international nature of the ship’s passengers and the tragic impact on families traveling together.

As we remember Master James William van Billiard, we’re reminded of the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of all Titanic passengers, regardless of their age or class of travel. Each life lost was a universe of potential, and in remembering James, we honor all those who perished on that fateful voyage.