It was on the 21st November in 1882 when Harold Lowe, the Fifth Officer aboard RMS Titanic, was born in Eglwys Rhos, Caernarfonshire (though now in Conwy).
Who Was Harold Lowe?
Harold Lowe was aboard the Titanic when it sank on 15 April 1912. Unlike some of the other officers (Lowe was the only officer of the four surviving officers to return to the ship in search of survivors), Lowe established a reputation as the “real hero of the Titanic” for his role in the evacuation.
Perhaps his heroics were foreshadowed by his running away from home at just 14 years of age to join the Merchant Navy – something which was done against his father’s (George Edward Lowe) wishes as he had wanted for Harold to become a successful businessman’s apprentice in Liverpool. Harold Lowe dreamed of the sea, however, and so ran away to follow his dream.
Following the Titanic disaster, Lowe would search for survivors and rescue a sinking lifeboat before towing another to safety. He would be celebrated for his heroics on his return to Barmouth, as a crowd of more than 1,300 people gathered to attend a reception held in his honour. He would be presented with a commemorative gold watch bearing the inscription: “Presented to Harold Godfrey Lowe, 5th officer R.M.S. Titanic by his friends in Barmouth and elsewhere in recognition and appreciation of his gallant services at the foundering of the Titanic 15th April 1912.”
A favourite tidbit of mine about Lowe is his testimony on the sinking. Immediately upon landing in New York on 18 April, Lowe was summoned to testify in the American enquiry into the sinking and, when challenged on what an iceberg was composed of, he replied bullishly “ice I suppose, sir.” Brilliant. It was believed at the time that Lowe and others forced to give testimonies were treated wrongfully, especially given that they were very much likely still in shock about the horrors they saw.
Lowe would later serve in both World Wars. During the First World War, he served in the Royal Navy Reserve, seeing service in Vladivostok during the Russian Revolution and Civil War. During the Second World War, by which time he was in his 60s, he served as an Air Raid Warden until his death from hypertension in 1944.
In the 1997 blockbuster, Titanic, Lowe was portrayed by Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd and his heroics were portrayed, with him rescuing female lead Rose DeWitt Bukater (played by Kate Winslett) from the freezing ocean.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – March 2026
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.