Charles Frederick Waddington Sedgwick

Who was Charles Frederick Waddington Sedgwick?

Charles Frederick Waddington Sedgwick was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old English electrical engineer who tragically lost his life as a second-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in Blackpool, Lancashire in 1884, Sedgwick was en route to Mexico for a professional appointment when he became one of the many victims of the ill-fated ship’s maiden voyage in April 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Lancashire Upbringing

Born in early 1884, Charles Sedgwick grew up in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire. He was the son of John Sedgwick, a chemist originally from Burnley, and Theresa Waddington, who hailed from Broughton, Yorkshire. The couple had married in 1880 and Charles had one older brother, Richard, born in 1882.

Childhood Home and Education

The 1891 census provides a glimpse into young Charles’ early life:

• Family residence: 13 Central Beach, Layton, Blackpool
• Education: Mount St Mary’s College, a Roman Catholic boarding school in Eckington, Derbyshire

Charles’ formative years were split between the bustling coastal town of Blackpool and the structured environment of a boarding school, likely shaping his character and ambitions.

Career and Professional Aspirations

Following in His Brother’s Footsteps

Like his elder brother Richard, Charles Sedgwick pursued a career in electrical engineering. He apprenticed in this field, demonstrating a keen interest in the rapidly evolving world of electricity and technology at the turn of the 20th century.

Professional Experience

Prior to his fateful journey on the Titanic, Charles had gained valuable experience working at the St Helens Electricity Works in Lancashire. This position likely prepared him for the exciting opportunity that awaited him in Mexico.

Marriage and Titanic Journey

A Whirlwind Romance

In a poignant twist of fate, Charles married Adelaide Carrington of Liverpool in April 1912, mere days before embarking on his transatlantic journey. The newlyweds’ address was given as 68 Ampthhill Road, Aigburth, Liverpool.

Titanic Passage Details

A Solo Journey to Mexico

Family history reveals a touching detail: Adelaide was initially meant to accompany Charles to Mexico, along with their 10-year-old nephew Leslie Radcliffe. However, due to the volatile political situation caused by the Mexican Revolution, it was decided that Charles would make the journey alone.

The Tragic Sinking

What happened to Charles Sedgwick on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Charles Sedgwick, like many others, perished in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic when the Titanic sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his newly-wed wife and family to grapple with the uncertainty of his final moments.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Widow’s Life

Adelaide Sedgwick, Charles’ widow, received his modest estate valued at £24 on September 27, 1913. She remained unmarried for over a decade before wedding James Robert Philip Lott, a motor engineer, in 1925. Adelaide passed away on February 5, 1938, in Liverpool.

A Cherished Heirloom

In a touching tribute to Charles’ memory, his nephew Leslie Radcliffe, who later settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, kept a locket belonging to his aunt Adelaide. This locket, containing pictures of both Charles and Adelaide, became a treasured family heirloom.

Today, this poignant reminder of Charles Sedgwick’s life and the tragedy of the Titanic is on display at the Manitoba Museum, serving as a tangible link to a life cut short and a moment in history that continues to captivate the world’s imagination.