Thomas Andrews

Andrews was born on the 7th February 1873. He was the second son of Thomas Andrews of Comber, Co. Down and his wife Eliza Pirrie, sister of Lord Pirrie, Chairman of Harland Wolff.   He was educated at home by a private tutor until he was eleven years old. He then attended the Royal Belfast Academical Institute for a further five years. He then entered into his uncle's (Lord Pirrie) H&W shipyard as an apprentice shortly after his 16th birthday on 1st May 1889.  

Andrews lived in lodgings during the week in Belfast as it was too far to travel from Comber everyday. He began to work a 12 hour day, commencing at 6.00 am. As well as working, Andrews began a course of study at evening classes, specialising in the theories and practices of Machine and Freehand Drawing and Naval Architecture.  

For five years, Andrews became a member of the skilled artisans. He worked in many departments in the shipyard learning different aspects of the business. The Management had high hopes for his success.  

In 1893 he was given responsibility for supervising the building of the 'Mystic' and represented the Company successfully on the sea trials of the White Star liner 'Gothic'.  

In 1894, Andrews completed his apprenticeship and began his career. Later in the 1890's, he became closely involved in pioneering work: the lengthening of ships by inserting a section amidships, and by the end of the decade was promoted to be Manager of construction at H&W.  

In 1907, when the plans for the trio of White Star liners were being made, Andrews was made Managing Director.   In 1908 Thomas married Helen Reilly Barbour, a member of the Lisburn linen family of Conway (now the Conway Hotel), Dunmurry.

The couple made their home at 12 Windsor Avenue.   On 20th October, the Olympic was launched, followed seven months later by Titanic.  

During the following ten months, the Titanic was fully fitted out and was successful in her sea trials. On April 2nd 1912, Andrews was on board Titanic representing Harland and Wolff after Lord Pirrie had been forbidden to go. Titanic left Belfast for Southampton.  

The next week was spent checking the ship.   On April 10th, the ship called at Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown (now Cobh) Ireland. Andrews then wrote to his wife expressing how friendly everyone was on board. At 2.00 pm Titanic raised anchor and sailed from Queenstown for New York.  

Andrews then spent everyday thoroughly examining the ship.   Before the ship went down, Andrews was reported to be standing in the smoking room with no lifebelt, waiting for his fate. He had assisted with the lifeboats prior to this.  

At 2.20 am the stern rose high on Monday 15th April 1912. Thomas Andrews was not among the survivors.  

Today Thomas Andrews is remembered in his native town of Comber as a hero. His name lives on with the buildings of Andrews Memorial Hall and Andrews Memorial Primary School.