1908
Olympic Class Building Programme
Supports the decision to build Olympic-class liners, including Titanic, for White Star Line's North Atlantic service.
RMS Titanic · permanent subject timeline
J. Bruce Ismay
White Star Line chairman and prominent survivor. This page combines historical context with 7 matching records drawn directly from the World History Database Titanic archive.
Historical context
J. Bruce Ismay: overview and significance
What happened?
Joseph Bruce Ismay was chairman of White Star Line and travelled aboard Titanic on the maiden voyage. He survived in a collapsible lifeboat and was questioned extensively after reaching the United States.
Why was it important?
Ismay's corporate role, survival and testimony made him one of the most controversial public figures associated with the disaster and with questions about company policy and ship operation.
World History Database records
J. Bruce Ismay timeline
The records below are selected from the 241-record RMS Titanic archive and rendered as static HTML in chronological order.
1908
1911
1911
Titanic White Star Preparation
Follows preparations for Titanic to enter White Star Line's Southampton to New York service.
1912
1912 2nd April
Titanic Accepted by White Star Line
White Star Line accepts Titanic after successful sea trials and completion at Belfast.
1912 10th April
Titanic Maiden Voyage Passenger
Boards Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger for the maiden voyage.
1912 15th April
Titanic Collapsible C
Survives the sinking after leaving Titanic in collapsible lifeboat C.
1912 19th April
Titanic United States Testimony
Gives evidence on the opening day of the United States Senate investigation into the disaster.
1912 4th June
Titanic Inquiry Testimony
Begins giving evidence before the British Wreck Commissioner's inquiry into Titanic's loss.
Editorial provenance
Sources and editorial review
Compiled and edited by World History Database.
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from World History Database Titanic records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
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