Frederick Edward Giles

Who was Mr Frederick Edward Giles?

Mr Frederick Edward Giles was a 20 (twenty) year-old English bus driver from Cornwall who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was a second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling with his brother Edgar to join their elder sibling in America.

Early Life and Family

Frederick Edward Giles was born in the second half of 1891 in Sithney, Porthleven, Cornwall, England. He came from a large family:

• Parents: William Harvey Giles (b. 1853), a farm labourer, and Mary Cornish Andrewartha (b. 1855)
• Siblings: Frederick was one of eight surviving children out of ten, including:
  • Albert (b. 1878)
  • James (b. 1880)
  • William Henry (b. 1884)
  • Lily (1886-1907)
  • Richard (1888-1955)
  • John Francis (b. 1890)
  • Edgar (b. 1893)
  • Norman (1896-1953)
  • Edward Clare (1899-1978)

Childhood and Early Career

Where did Frederick Giles grow up?

Frederick first appears in official records on the 1901 census, living with his family at The Gew in Sithney, Porthleven. Later, the family relocated to Unity Street, Unity Road, Torleven, Porthleven, as recorded in the 1911 census.

Interestingly, the 1911 census shows Frederick and his brother Edgar living separately from their family at Alma House, Fore Street, Porthleven. They resided with Mr. Richard Wills, a jobmaster, and his wife. At this time, Frederick was described as a bus driver, while Edgar worked as a cab driver.

What was Frederick known for in his hometown?

The Giles boys, including Frederick, were well-known in Porthleven for their singing abilities, adding a touch of local fame to their legacy.

The Journey to America

Why did Frederick decide to travel to America?

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

What were the circumstances of Frederick’s Titanic journey?

• Original plans: Frederick and Edgar had initially booked passage on the RMS Oceanic.
• Change of plans: Due to a coal strike, they were forced to change their booking to the Titanic.
• Ticket details:
  • Class: Second Class
  • Ticket number: 28134
  • Cost: £11, 10s (11 pounds, 10 shillings)
• Embarkation: The brothers boarded the Titanic in Southampton on April 10, 1912.

The Tragic Fate

Frederick Giles, at the young age of 20 (twenty), 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:

• Frederick’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

Frederick Edward Giles’ story is a poignant reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey, filled with hope for a new life in America, ended tragically in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. Today, he is remembered as one of the many souls lost in one of history’s most famous maritime disasters, his name forever linked to the legacy of the RMS Titanic.