Edmond Roger Navratil

Who was Master Edmond Roger Navratil?

Master Edmond Roger Navratil was a French Titanic survivor who, at the young age of 2 (two), became known as one of the “Orphans of the Titanic.” Born on March 5, 1910, in Nice, France, Edmond’s life was forever changed by his experience on the ill-fated ship and his subsequent rescue.

Early Life and the Fateful Journey

A Family in Turmoil

Edmond Roger Navratil was born into a family marked by marital discord. His father, Michel Navratil, had separated from his mother, Marcelle. In a drastic move that would alter the course of young Edmond’s life, Michel took Edmond and his brother Michel Jr. from their mother’s care.

Boarding the Titanic

On April 10, 1912, Edmond boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton with his father and brother. The family traveled under an assumed name:

Assumed Name: Hoffman
Class: 2nd Class
Cabin: F4
Ticket Number: 230080
Ticket Price: £26

This deception was part of Michel Navratil’s plan to take his sons away from their mother and start a new life in America.

The Voyage and Tragedy

Life Aboard the Titanic

During the voyage, the boys experienced a brief moment of independence:

The boys were looked after once by Bertha Lehmann, a Swiss girl who spoke French but no English, while their father played cards for a few hours. It was the only time he let them out of his sight.

This small detail offers a glimpse into the protective nature of their father and the rareness of their separation from him during the journey.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Edmond and his brother were separated from their father. In a twist of fate that would haunt Edmond for the rest of his life, the young boys were rescued, but their father perished in the disaster.

The Aftermath: The Orphans of the Titanic

Aboard the Carpathia

After their rescue, Edmond and his brother found themselves in a unique and heartrending situation:

Unable to speak English
Dubbed the “Orphans of the Titanic”
The only unclaimed children among the survivors

Temporary Guardianship

Miss Margaret Hays, a first-class survivor, stepped forward to care for the boys. She took them to her New York home at 304 West 83rd Street while efforts were made to locate their family.

Reunion and Return

Edmond’s mother, Marcelle Navratil, recognized her sons from newspaper stories. The White Star Line arranged for her to travel to America, where an emotional reunion took place on May 16. Shortly after, the reunited family sailed back to France aboard the Oceanic, closing a chapter on their Titanic ordeal.

Life After the Titanic

Professional Career

As Edmond grew into adulthood, he pursued a creative and constructive path:

Worked as an interior decorator
Became an architect and builder

These professions perhaps reflected a desire to create and shape spaces, possibly influenced by his early experiences of displacement and journey.

World War II Service

Edmond’s life was once again touched by historical events during World War II:

Fought with the French Army
Captured and made a prisoner-of-war
Successfully escaped from the camp where he was held

Personal Life

While details are scarce, it is known that Edmond married, though the specifics of his family life are not provided in the available information.

The Final Chapter

Edmond Roger Navratil’s life, which began with such a dramatic event, came to an early end. He passed away on July 7, 1953, at the age of 43 (forty-three). His final resting place is at the Cimetiere De L’Égalité in Lourdes, France.

The story of Edmond Navratil serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of the Titanic disaster. From a toddler caught in a family drama to a survivor bearing the weight of historical tragedy, Edmond’s life encapsulates the long shadow cast by that fateful night in April 1912.