MGY, Yes that would have been I believe Lord, Stone, Gibson and Groves. Both Lord and Groves observed the Titanic coming along around 11:10-11:15pm. Lord and Groves stated they observed her "red" light. And I believe Stone claimed the same, which would imply Gibson saw the same seeing as they were both on the middle watch. I believe the Titanic crew saw the "Mystery ships" green light. Boxhall claimed to see her green light first, then she blew around and showed their red light. This makes sense because the Californian was spinning.

I believe the crewman on the Californian you are referring to is Ernest Gill. He was a donkeyman in the engine room. He was on the deck for a smoke and observed what he thought was a large vessel, fire a rocket and then another. He also was one to desire to testify in court. He didn't mention it to the bridge because "How could they not see it?"

As for seeing it so well lit. I saw on a website what the Titanic would have looked like as observed from the Californian. It was difficult to see IMO. Also, I firmly believe that the Californian and the Titanic were 12 - 12 1/2 miles apart during the night at the most. The reason being Smith actually was 7 miles off on his calculations. Lord, being right on his was correct. He was 19 1/2 miles away from 41 46 N, 50 14 W.

Lord, as a matter of fact was quite a skilled sailor for his time. 34 and had served as a captain for a few years. I want to say he went to sea as a captain in 1909. He began at 13 1/2 years. And passed all his qualifications "Most brillantly" said those who knew him. I don't doubt his expertise. The man was just in the worst possible place that night, and just about all that could have gone wrong that night for him. went wrong sadly.