Frank Miles

Who was Mr Frank Miles?

Mr Frank Miles was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old English engineer who tragically lost his life as a third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in Kent, England in early 1889, Miles embarked on the ill-fated voyage from Southampton, never to reach his intended destination in the United States.

Early Life and Family

Frank Miles was born into a working-class family in Kent, England. His parents were:

• Father: Richard Miles (born 1853), a carpenter
• Mother: Emily Hart (born 1853)

Richard and Emily married on February 5, 1883, in Southwark, London. Frank was the youngest of five siblings:

1. Richard (born 1885)
2. Eva (born 1886)
3. Ellen (born 1887)
4. Florence Maud (born 1892)
5. Frank (born 1889)

Childhood and Loss

The 1891 census provides a glimpse into Frank’s early life, showing the family residing at 11 Blind Street in Greenwich. However, tragedy struck the Miles family around the turn of the century when Emily, Frank’s mother, is believed to have passed away. This loss led to a significant change in the children’s living arrangements.

Life with Relatives

How did Frank’s living situation change after his mother’s death?

Following the presumed death of his mother, Frank and his siblings were taken in by their aunts and uncles. By the time of the 1901 census, Frank was living with his maternal uncle and aunt, Henry and Sarah Collins, at 103 King George Street in Greenwich. This address would remain Frank’s home for many years to come.

Career and Personal Life

The 1911 census provides insight into Frank’s professional life and personal status:

• Occupation: Described as a mariner and motor engineer
• Marital Status: Unmarried
• Residence: Still living with his aunt and uncle at 103 King George Street, Greenwich

Frank’s dual occupation as a mariner and motor engineer suggests a young man with a passion for both the sea and machinery – skills that might have served him well in America had fate not intervened.

The Titanic Journey

What were the details of Frank’s Titanic voyage?

Frank Miles boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket Number: 359306
• Cost: £8, 1s (8 pounds, 1 shilling)
• Recorded Address: 103 King George Street
• Stated Profession: Engineer

Interestingly, neither Frank’s destination in the USA nor his reason for traveling is known, adding a layer of mystery to his tragic story.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Frank Miles, like many third-class passengers, faced immense challenges in the chaotic evacuation of the sinking Titanic. Despite his young age and possible physical fitness, Frank did not survive the disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without closure.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Frank Miles remembered today?

While Frank’s life was cut short at just 23 years of age, his memory lives on through a poignant tribute. His father, Richard Miles, who passed away on February 9, 1924, ensured that his son would not be forgotten. In Charlton Cemetery, South London, Frank is commemorated on his father’s headstone with the following inscription:

ALSO OF FRANK YOUNGEST SON OF THE ABOVE DROWNED ON THE “TITANIC” 15TH APRIL 1912, AGED 23

This touching memorial serves as a lasting reminder of the young engineer whose promising life was cut short by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Frank Miles’ story, while brief, encapsulates the hopes, dreams, and ultimately the tragedy of many third-class passengers aboard the Titanic. His journey from a working-class family in Kent to his final voyage on the luxurious yet doomed liner reflects the social mobility and aspirations of early 20th-century Britain, making his loss all the more poignant.