Edgar Giles

Who was Mr Edgar Giles?

Mr Edgar Giles was an 18 (eighteen) year-old English cab driver from Cornwall who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Known for his singing talents in his hometown of Porthleven, Giles was embarking on a journey to America with his brother Frederick when disaster struck.

Early Life and Family

Edgar Giles was born in the second half of 1893 in Sithney, Porthleven, Cornwall, England. He came from a large family:

• Parents: William Harvey Giles (born 1853), a farm labourer, and Mary Cornish Andrewartha (born 1855)
• Siblings: Edgar was one of eight surviving children out of ten, including:
  • Albert (born 1878)
  • James (born 1880)
  • William Henry (born 1884)
  • Lily (1886-1907)
  • Richard (1888-1955)
  • John Francis (born 1890)
  • Frederick George (born 1891)
  • Norman (1896-1953)
  • Edward Clare (1899-1978)

Childhood and Early Career

Where did Edgar Giles grow up?

Edgar Giles spent his childhood in Cornwall. The 1901 census shows the family living at The Gew in Sithney, Porthleven. Later, they moved to Unity Street, Unity Road, Torleven, Porthleven.

What was Edgar’s occupation?

By the time of the 1911 census, Edgar had begun his career as a cab driver. He and his brother Fred were listed as living at Alma House, Fore Street, Porthleven, in the home of Richard Wills, a jobmaster, and his wife. While Edgar worked as a cab driver, Fred was employed as a bus driver.

A Musical Family

The Giles brothers were well-known in Porthleven for their singing abilities. This musical talent added a touch of local fame to the family, highlighting their involvement in the community.

The Journey to America

What prompted Edgar’s trip to America?

In 1911, Edgar’s elder brother William emigrated to America, settling at 435 Pine Street, Camden, New Jersey. William worked as a professional horse trainer. Inspired by their brother’s success, Edgar and Frederick decided to join him in America and work for him.

The Fateful Titanic Voyage

Edgar and Frederick’s journey to America took an unexpected turn:

• Original Plan: The brothers were initially scheduled to travel on the RMS Oceanic.
• Change of Plans: A coal strike forced them to change their booking to the RMS Titanic.
• Titanic Ticket: Edgar’s second-class ticket (number 28133) cost £11, 10s.
• Embarkation: The brothers boarded the Titanic in Southampton on April 10, 1912.

The Tragic End

Edgar Giles, at just 18 (eighteen) years old, perished in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Family Aftermath

The tragedy of the Titanic had a profound impact on the Giles family:

• Edgar’s father, William Harvey Giles, died in the latter months of 1912, mere months after losing his son.
• His mother, Mary Cornish Andrewartha Giles, lived on until 1937.

Legacy

Though Edgar Giles’ life was cut tragically short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. His musical talents, remembered in his hometown of Porthleven, and his aspirations for a new life in America, paint a picture of a young man full of potential, forever memorialized in the annals of Titanic history.