Robert Knight: Titanic’s Unsung Hero from Harland & Wolff

Who was Robert Knight?

Robert Knight was a 42-year-old Irish engineer and fitter who perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born as Thomas Knight on July 9, 1869, in Belfast, Ireland, he was a valued employee of Harland & Wolff, the shipyard that built the Titanic. Knight’s expertise and dedication earned him a place in the ship’s prestigious “guarantee group,” tasked with overseeing the smooth operation of the vessel during its maiden voyage.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Robert Knight’s childhood like?

Robert Knight grew up in a working-class family in Belfast. His father, William Knight, was a mechanic and foundry engineer from Belfast, while his mother, Jane Briggs, hailed from Yorkshire, England. The couple married on December 24, 1851, in Belfast and raised a family of six children:

Ellen (born circa 1853)
Jane (born circa 1856)
William (born circa 1860)
Mary (born August 11, 1864)
Margaret (born June 6, 1867)
Robert (born July 9, 1869)

How did early tragedy shape Robert’s life?

Tragedy struck the Knight family when Robert was still young:

His father died from a heart infection on October 29, 1879
His mother passed away from pneumonia on March 7, 1888
His younger sister, Margaret, died from kidney failure on March 17, 1892, aged 24

These losses likely instilled a sense of resilience in Robert, as he helped nurse his mother during her final illness.

Professional Life at Harland & Wolff

How did Robert Knight’s career progress?

Robert Knight’s career at Harland & Wolff was marked by steady advancement:

June 2, 1891: Commenced work as a fitter at Queen’s Island
January 1, 1903: Promoted to leading hand engineer
1912: Selected as part of the nine-strong “guarantee group” for Titanic’s maiden voyage

His selection for the guarantee group demonstrated the high regard in which he was held by his employers. Contemporary press reports suggested that Knight was destined for further promotion, highlighting his potential within the company.

Family Life

Who was Robert Knight’s family?

On March 31, 1894, Robert married Sarah McEvoy, a native of Scotland, at St Stephen’s Church in Belfast. The couple had four children:

Jane (born January 1, 1897)
Robert (born November 14, 1898)
Joseph McEvoy (born April 4, 1900)
William (born June 18, 1904)

Where did the Knight family live?

The Knight family’s residences in Belfast:

Year	Address
Pre-1901	3 Tasmania Street
1901	16 Tasmania Street, Shankill Road
1911	2 Yarrow Street, Clifton

The Titanic Journey

What was Robert Knight’s role on the Titanic?

As a member of the guarantee group, Robert Knight was responsible for:

Overseeing the smooth operation of the Titanic’s machinery
Addressing any technical issues that might arise during the maiden voyage
Representing Harland & Wolff’s interests and reputation

Knight boarded the Titanic in Belfast as a second-class passenger, holding ticket number 239855.

What happened to Robert Knight during the disaster?

Tragically, Robert Knight did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. Like his colleagues in the guarantee group, he likely remained at his post, working to keep the ship’s systems operational as long as possible. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Legacy and Remembrance

How was Robert Knight remembered?

A year after the disaster, Sarah Knight placed a touching memorial in the Belfast Newsletter on April 15, 1913:

KNIGHT–In sad and loving memory of my dear husband, Robert Knight (late of Messrs Harland & Wolff’s, Ltd.) who perished with White Star Liner Titanic on April 15th, 1912.
5 Yarrow Street, Sarah Knight

What happened to Robert Knight’s family?

The Knight family remained in Belfast after Robert’s death:

Sarah Knight continued to live at 5 Yarrow Street
She cared for her father, Joseph McEvoy, until his death on March 23, 1918
Sarah passed away on November 21, 1930, at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, aged 60

While the fate of Robert and Sarah’s children remains uncertain, it is believed they stayed in Belfast, carrying on their father’s legacy in the city he called home.

Robert Knight’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the unsung heroes who perished aboard the Titanic, leaving behind families and unfulfilled potential. His dedication to his craft and his ultimate sacrifice exemplify the human cost of the disaster that continues to captivate the world over a century later.