First Hand - James Witter

James William Cheetham Witter

Smoke Room Steward

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Peter West [Interviewer]:
What did you think the Titanic had hit, Mr. Witter?

James Witter:
Well, I didn't think she hit anything. I thought she dropped a blade from the propeller you know.

Peter West [Interviewer]:
How did you find out what in fact had happened?

James Witter:
Well, I went down to the working alleyway where my cabin is, No. 7 Glory Hole. I was standing there talking to two or three fellows and the carpenter came along and I heard him say, "The bloody mailroom's full of water." I said, "What's that [unintelligible]? Mailroom full of water?" He said, "Yes." I said, "Well, what about those bulkhead doors forward?" He said, "They're not holding, Jim."

Of course, then I walked into my cabin, No. 7 Glory Hole, and I opened my box. I called everybody. I said, "Come along fellas, get up, she's going down." So I opened my box, two cups of matches and cigarettes and I said, "Come on fellas, get up."

"Oh, what the hell are you talking about?" They said. "Get out of here!" Someone threw a boot at me. And I said, "Good night, gentlemen." Just as easy as that.