Ennis Hastings Watson

Who was Ennis Hastings Watson?

Ennis Hastings Watson was a promising young Irish electrician and one of the nine members of the Harland & Wolff “guarantee group” chosen to oversee the smooth running of the Titanic’s maiden voyage. Born in Belfast on May 5, 1893, Watson was only 18 (eighteen) years old when he perished in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Belfast Upbringing

Ennis Hastings Watson was born into a working-class family in east Belfast, Ireland. His parents were James Watson, a shipwright born in 1856, and Sarah Pyper, born in 1857. The couple married on August 27, 1882, and went on to have eight children, with Ennis being one of the younger siblings.

Watson’s Siblings

Ennis grew up in a bustling household with seven siblings:

Emily Annie (born May 11, 1883)
Eva Maud (born February 25, 1885)
Adeline (born November 18, 1886)
James Pyper (born December 16, 1888)
Winifred (born April 10, 1891)
William Gilbert (born September 10, 1895)
Sidney Herbert (born March 9, 1898)

Family Residences

The Watson family moved several times during Ennis’s childhood:

40 Mountpottinger Road, Belfast
50 Mountpottinger Road, Belfast (where Ennis was born)
96 Bryson Street, Belfast (by 1898)
75 Madrid Street, Pottinger, Belfast (1901-1911)

Education and Early Career

Belfast Municipal Technical Institute

Ennis Watson’s educational journey began around 1907 at the Belfast Municipal Technical Institute. His studies followed a progression that would shape his future career:

Practical mathematics and art
Electronics
Telephony and telegraphy (prior to joining Titanic)

Academic Achievements

Watson’s dedication to his studies bore fruit in the form of several awards:

Board of Education, London examinations (1908-1909): Successful
City and Guilds of London Institute examinations (1909-1910): Successful

These accomplishments caught the attention of contemporary media, which praised his promising future in the field of electrical engineering.

The Titanic Connection

How did Ennis Watson become involved with the Titanic?

Ennis Watson’s exceptional performance as an apprentice electrician at Harland & Wolff led to his selection as part of the prestigious “guarantee group.” This team of nine employees was tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of the Titanic during its maiden voyage.

Watson’s Role on the Titanic

As an apprentice electrician, Watson’s responsibilities likely included:

Monitoring and maintaining the ship’s electrical systems
Troubleshooting any electrical issues that arose
Assisting with the operation of the ship’s innovative electrical features

The Fateful Voyage

Watson boarded the Titanic in Belfast, where the ship was built. His ticket number was 239856, and he traveled as a 2nd Class passenger, befitting his status as a member of the guarantee group.

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

Tragically, Ennis Watson, along with his colleagues in the guarantee group, perished when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. He was just 18 (eighteen) years old, with a promising career cut short by the disaster.

Recovery Efforts

“His body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This poignant fact underscores the scale of the tragedy and the difficulties faced in the aftermath of the sinking.

Legacy and Remembrance

Despite his young age, Ennis Hastings Watson left a lasting legacy:

He represents the many young, talented individuals who lost their lives in the Titanic disaster.
His story highlights the important role of the “guarantee group” in the Titanic’s maiden voyage.
Watson’s name is etched in maritime history as part of the Titanic’s crew.

Memorial

Ennis Hastings Watson is remembered on the family headstone in Knockbreda Cemetery, Belfast, Ireland (section B, plot 144). This serves as a lasting tribute to a young life full of promise, tragically cut short by one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.