Memorial

Commander Charles Herbert Lightoller RNR. DSC*
{Between an image of a ship's wheel and the flag of the White Star Line:}
1874 - 1952, Richmond Slipways, 1 Duck's Walk.

Commander Lightoller was the senior surviving officer of the Titanic in 1912. Going down with the ship he took charge of an upturned lifeboat and was the last survivor to be rescued.

In the first world war, he served with the Royal Navy, commanding three MTB/Destroyers and rose to the rank of commander RNR. He won the DSC in 1916 and was awarded a bar to it in 1918 after sinking a u-boat.

In 1940 Commander Lightoller took his motor yacht Sundowner to Dunkirk and rescued 127 men from the beaches. Sundowner is preserved at the Maritime Museum in Ramsgate. 

In 1947 in partnership with an old friend and his surviving son, he took over the small boat building business of Richmond Slipways. He lived there on the boatyard at 1 Ducks Walk with his wife Sylvia until passing away peacefully on 8th December 1952.

Lux Vestra - "Let your light shine"

This plaque was presented to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames by the Twickenham Park Residents Association.