His Name Was Henry

Henry Ryland Dyer

Henry was born on December 21st, 1887 In India due to his father being in the British Army. After his father retired, they moved to Exeter, England. In 1902, Henry began working at Messrs Willey Iron Co. He went to school at Manual School Exeter. He began working at the White Star Line in Southhampton in1908 as shore staff. He was sent to work on the Adriatic for three years before being sent to work on the Olympic, Titanic’s sister ship. Henry’s new post came with a promotion. He would be the Senior Assistant Fourth Engineer. He joined the newly born Ship in Belfast, Ireland to be with her at her sea trials. He would be given the privilege to work on the ship for her maiden voyage. Sadly it would cost him his life. Not one of the engineers survived.

In the recurring dreams, Henry has always been the voice yelling out for Ida. I didn’t and still don’t know the relationship between the two of them. Henry Dyer was below deck during the sinking, helping passengers find their way upwards to the boat deck. As many of the third-class passengers did not speak English, he looked to me that he was leading a number of them up to the decks himself. When Ida went to retrieve her locket, she was unable to return to the original starting point on F deck where Henry would return to retrieve her. Henry called out to Ida repeatedly as she drowned on Scotland Road. I can only assume that he drowned himself, likely looking for Ida and others.

The engineers on Titanic are the unsung heroes of the disaster. They remained below deck, fighting the waters, doing their best to keep the power on. Titanic’s electric power was all that saved those that survived her. Without the engineers and their sacrifice, the Marconigraph would have failed in its efforts to call for help. The Carpathia would have not heard Titanic’s calls for help. The 712 survivors in the lifeboats would have been left to sit back and wait to die or pray for a miracle.

Though I cannot say that drowning is an enjoyable experience, I can say that it is better to drown in the light than in total darkness. Ida’s last moments were spent taking in what comfort she could from the light in the hallway. Had the engineers saved themselves first, she would have had to endure dying alone in the cold, dark hallway as the sinking bow pulled her to the bottom. I’ve learned to be grateful for the small things. The engineers have my gratitude and Henry Dyer has my thanks above all, wherever he may now be.