Jean-Noël Malachard

Who was Jean-Noël Malachard?

Jean-Noël Malachard was a 25 (twenty-five) year-old French cinematographer who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a second-class passenger and employee of the renowned Pathé Frères company, Malachard’s presence on the ill-fated voyage adds a unique perspective to the Titanic’s story, potentially offering insights into early 20th-century filmmaking and its intersection with maritime travel.

Early Life and Family

A French Upbringing

Born on December 21, 1886, in Régnié-Durette, a picturesque commune in the Rhône department of France, Jean-Noël Malachard was the son of Pierre Victor and Thérèse Camille (née Dusser) Malachard. The rolling hills and verdant vineyards of the Rhône-Alpes region likely shaped young Malachard’s early years, perhaps even influencing his future artistic endeavors.

Family Ties

Malachard was not an only child. He had an older brother, Pierre Victor Léon Malachard, born on June 14, 1883. In 1912, at the time of the Titanic disaster, Pierre resided at 72 Rue Auguste Comte in Lyon, France. This familial connection provides a poignant reminder of the loved ones left behind by those lost in the tragedy.

Career and Residence

The Cinematographer’s Path

By 1912, Jean-Noël Malachard had established himself as a cinematographer, a cutting-edge profession in the nascent film industry. His employment with Pathé Frères, one of the pioneering motion picture companies, speaks to his skill and promise in the field.

Urban Living

While his roots were in the Rhône region, Malachard’s career led him to the bustling capital. Prior to his fateful journey, his last known residence was in Paris, the epicenter of French culture and a hub for artistic innovation.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Accommodation

Malachard boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. As a second-class passenger, he held ticket number 237735, which cost him £15 0s 11d. His cabin was in the D deck area, though the exact number remains uncertain.

A Filmmaker’s Last Voyage?

Intriguingly, speculation surrounds Malachard’s professional activities aboard the Titanic. Some historians posit that he might have filmed the ship’s departure from her deck, potentially creating invaluable footage that, tragically, was lost to the depths along with its creator.

Companions and Final Moments

On board, Malachard shared a cabin with René Lévy and an unidentified third man. During the voyage, he befriended Mrs. Marie Jerwan, a fellow passenger. In the chaos following the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg, Malachard, Lévy, and their cabin-mate displayed remarkable chivalry. They assured Mrs. Jerwan, “We’ll take care of you,” and escorted her to the Boat Deck.

In a heart-wrenching scene, the men helped Mrs. Jerwan into Lifeboat 11. As the boat was lowered, they shouted “Good-bye!” and waved, their silhouettes etched against the starry night sky. This poignant farewell marked the last known sighting of Jean-Noël Malachard.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Life Cut Short

Jean-Noël Malachard perished in the sinking at the young age of 25 (twenty-five). His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his final resting place as the cold waters of the North Atlantic.

Industry Mourns

The loss of this promising cinematographer reverberated through the film industry. The Bioscope, a prominent trade journal, reported on April 25, 1912:

“I regret to announce that M. Malachard [sic], of Messrs. Pathé Frères, was one of the passengers on board the Titanic. On enquiring at the company’s offices I learned the sad news that a cable had been received from New York saying that he was among the lost.”

A Stone to Remember

Though his body never returned home, Jean-Noël Malachard is memorialized on a cenotaph at the Régnie-Durette Cemetery in France. This monument stands as a testament to a life full of promise, cut tragically short, and serves as a focal point for those who wish to pay their respects to this young artist lost to the sea.

Jean-Noël Malachard’s story, while brief, offers a unique lens through which to view the Titanic disaster. As a cinematographer, he represented the burgeoning film industry and the intersection of art and technology that would come to define the 20th century. His final acts of bravery, ensuring the safety of others before himself, embody the spirit of self-sacrifice that has become synonymous with the Titanic’s legacy.