Also, Stu, she flew the blue ensign because she was under command of an admiral in the RNR.
White Star Lines was, at that time, a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan’s International Mercantile Marine. She was as much a US ship as any US ship registered in Liberia.
Marty
This is a point that keeps on re-appearing every so often. Whilst EJS was entitled to fly a blue ensign, it was flying a red ensign at the time- this is clearly stated in the memorial museum in sounthampton under the 'myths and legends of titanic'
I think describing the Nationality of the ship as US- as in your example above is a little misleading. Please have a look at www.companieshouse.gov.uk/archive and check whether white star line was a registered British company or registered US company.
For example (and I realise this may be hard for US to believe) but Britain owns several US companies- for example did you know that well over 2/3 of your kids school buses are operated by companies owned by Britain. Are these British companies par se? No. They are listed as US companies, under US law, with US workers and pay US taxes... but are owned by British companies.
Would you describe the Pride of Dover (example) as a British ship or an Arabic ship (DP ports?)
Or a better one- are half of US ports American or Arabic (DP ports again). I'm afraid that the concept of conventional Nationalism is a little more complicated than a simple yes/no.
Apologies to trains, or whoever it was, for this straying from Titanic... It was bound to happen sooner or later
Still no mention of Mar*ite thoughEDIT: Are you sure EJS was an Admiral of the RNR... I don't actually think that is possible, but I'm not 100%. He was a Commodore (named after a make of computer
) but that was a civilian rank.