And the Band Played On ...

Christopher Ward is the grandson of Jock Hume, at 21 the youngest member of the Titanic's orchestra. Christopher joined the Evening Chronicle in Newcastle-upon-Tyne aged 17, and moved to Merseyside to become the Daily Mirror's Liverpool correspondent at the height of Beatlemania. In his early twenties, he moved to London, writing a column in the Mirror for more than ten years. At 38 he became Fleet Street's then youngest editor when he was appointed editor of the Daily Express. He left, aged 42, to co-found Redwood, Europe's first customer magazine agency, of which he is Chairman today. He lives in the Scottish Borders, seventy miles from Jock Hume's birth place in Dumfries.

'Tragedy has a long reach, and heroism is a great burden...Their story plainly told, is intended as a parallel to the events of 9/11 and the consequences for so many lives thereafter.' -- The Times 'Christopher Ward's book about his 21-year-old grandfather...has produced a fascinating tale. This is the moving story of Jock Hume, a member of the Titanic's band, which played on for as long as possible. Everyone of them died.' -- Press Association 'A gripping and moving account not just of the sinking of the Titanic, and the wretched class system which bedevilled the aftermath, but of the long-term impact on survivors and dependants. What started out as a story for the author's children and grandchildren has turned into a terrific read for everyone.' -- Alastair Campbell 'A moving homage to all of the men, women and children who heard the last music played onboard the SS Titanic, and to the people they left behind'. -- Scotsman 'Christopher Ward's clever and touching account of his grandfather's death'. -- Scotsman 'Gripping and in places deeply disturbing human stories of the Titanic disaster and its diverse sequels. A major contribution to family and to social history by the grandson of the young violinist playing in the Titanic as the ship sank.' -- Professor Asa Briggs, author of A Social History of England 'As Christopher Ward delved into his past he unearthed a story of true love, which turned to hate with the sinking of the Titanic'. -- Sunday Express 'A heartbreaking story, wonderfully told.' -- Julian Fellowes, author of Gosford Park