Clifford Richard Parker

Who was Mr Clifford Richard Parker?

Mr Clifford Richard Parker was a 17 (seventeen) year-old Channel Islander who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Guernsey, he was a clerk by profession and a second-class passenger on the ill-fated ship’s maiden voyage.

Early Life and Family

Clifford Richard Parker was born on July 29, 1894, in St Andrews, Guernsey, one of the picturesque Channel Islands. He came from a close-knit family:

• Parents: Richard Adolphus Parker (born 1860) and Sarah Gavey (born 1861)
• Siblings:
  • Violet (born 1887)
  • Florence (born 1889)
  • Nellie (born 1890)
  • Victor (born 1901)

Clifford was the only son among five children, growing up in a household that likely buzzed with the energy of his four sisters.

Where did the Parker family live?

The Parker family’s residence changed as Clifford grew up:

1. In 1901, they lived at Les Huriaux in St Andrews, Guernsey.
2. By 1911, they had moved to Fernleigh, also in St Andrews.

This change in residence coincided with a shift in his father’s occupation. In 1901, Richard Adolphus Parker worked as a gardener, but by 1911, he had become a fruit grower – perhaps indicating the family’s improving fortunes.

Career and Life Before Titanic

As a young man, Clifford followed a path different from his father’s agricultural pursuits. The 1911 census described him as:

• An unmarried business clerk
• Working in the wholesale grocery business

This position suggests that Clifford was ambitious and possibly seeking opportunities beyond the confines of his island home.

Titanic Journey

What were the details of Clifford’s Titanic ticket?

Clifford’s Titanic journey began on April 10, 1912, when he boarded the ship at Southampton. His ticket details were as follows:

• Class: Second Class
• Ticket Number: SC/C 14888
• Cost: £10, 10s (10 pounds, 10 shillings)

Was Clifford traveling alone?

While Clifford’s exact travel plans remain a mystery, there’s an intriguing possibility that he wasn’t journeying alone. It’s speculated that he may have been traveling with Lawrence Gavey to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Gavey might have been Clifford’s second cousin, as they reportedly shared a great-grandfather.

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

Tragically, Clifford Richard Parker did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the tender age of 17 (seventeen), his promising life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Was Clifford’s body ever recovered?

Despite extensive recovery efforts following the Titanic disaster, Clifford’s body was never identified if it was recovered at all. This lack of closure must have been heartbreaking for the Parker family, left to mourn without the possibility of a proper burial.

Legacy

While Clifford Richard Parker’s life was brief, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic tragedy. As a Channel Islander aboard the ship, he represents a unique demographic among the passengers, highlighting the truly international nature of the disaster.

Clifford’s tale, like many others from that fateful night, continues to captivate historians and Titanic enthusiasts. It stands as a testament to the dreams and aspirations of those who sought new opportunities across the Atlantic, only to have their journeys end in unimaginable tragedy.