Master William Andrew Johnston

Who was Master William Andrew Johnston?

Master William Andrew Johnston was a young third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on September 14, 1903, in Croydon, Surrey, England, William was just 8 (eight) years old when he embarked on what would be his final journey. As one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell passengers of all ages.

Early Life and Family Background

Scottish Roots in England

William Andrew Johnston was born to Scottish parents who had settled in England:

• Father: Andrew Emslie Johnston (born 1876), a plumber from Aberdeenshire
• Mother: Elizabeth “Eliza” Watson (born 1876), hailing from the Isle of Skye
• Sister: Catherine Nellie Johnston (born 1905)

The Johnston family had established their home in Croydon, Surrey, reflecting the movement of Scottish families to England in search of opportunities at the turn of the 20th century.

Family Life in Thornton Heath

By the time of the 1911 census, the Johnston family was residing at:

21 Luna Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey

This modest address in a suburban area of London paints a picture of a working-class family striving for a better life. William, then 7 (seven) years old, would have been attending school and growing up in the rapidly changing landscape of Edwardian England.

The Decision to Emigrate

What prompted the Johnston family to leave England?

The allure of America as a land of opportunity was strong for many British families in the early 20th century. For the Johnstons, this dream was fueled by a personal connection:

1. William’s maternal aunt, Margaret Ann Watson Ford, lived in Sussex, England.
2. Margaret’s daughter, Frances, had already moved to the United States and was working as a domestic servant.
3. Frances’ tales of a better life in America impressed both the Johnston and Ford families.

This familial link to the promise of America set in motion the events that would lead to their fateful journey on the Titanic.

A Journey Delayed

The path to America for the Johnston family was not straightforward:

• Original Plan: Sail in October 1911
• First Delay: Waiting for the Ford family to join them
• Initial Booking: Passage on the Philadelphia
• Second Delay: Coal strike forced postponement
• Final Booking: RMS Titanic

These delays, while frustrating at the time, highlight the complex factors that led various passengers to book their passage on the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

William Andrew Johnston, along with his family and friends, boarded the Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers. Their ticket, costing £23 and 9 shillings, represented a significant investment for a working-class family, underscoring their commitment to starting a new life in America.

Who was traveling with William?

The Johnston family was part of a larger group of ten passengers, including:

• William’s parents, Andrew Emslie Johnston and Eliza Johnston
• His sister, Catherine Nellie Johnston
• His aunt, Margaret Ann Watson Ford
• Dollina Margaret Ford, possibly a relative
• Alice Harknett, a friend of the Watson family

This group, bound together by family ties and shared dreams, faced the tragedy of the Titanic as one.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to William Andrew Johnston on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

The exact details of William’s experience during the sinking are unknown, but we do know that:

• The Titanic struck an iceberg at 11:40 PM on April 14, 1912
• As a third-class passenger, William and his family would have faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats
• The entire party of ten, including William, was lost in the sinking

“The entire party of ten were lost in the sinking. Their bodies, if recovered, were never identified.”

This tragic outcome was all too common for third-class passengers, especially children, who had the lowest survival rates among all passenger groups.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is William Andrew Johnston remembered today?

While William’s life was cut tragically short at just 8 (eight) years old, his story lives on as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster. He represents the many children who perished in the sinking, reminding us of the human cost of the tragedy.

• William’s name is listed on memorials dedicated to Titanic victims
• His story is preserved in Titanic passenger records and genealogical databases
• As one of the youngest victims of the disaster, he symbolizes the innocence lost on that fateful night

The tale of William Andrew Johnston and his family serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of those who sought a new life aboard the Titanic, only to have their journey end in tragedy.