Harold Reynolds

Who was Mr Harold Reynolds?

Mr Harold Reynolds was a 21-year-old English baker who tragically lost his life aboard the RMS Titanic. Born in Lewisham, Kent, in early 1891, Reynolds led a short but eventful life that culminated in his fateful decision to board the ill-fated ship as a third-class passenger. His story is one of military service, family ties, and a mysterious journey that ended in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

Early Life and Family

Harold Reynolds was born into a large family in Lewisham, Kent, during the early months of 1891. His parents, George Reynolds (born 1855) and Rachel Liddle (1858-1932), were both Kent natives who married on September 24, 1877, at St Mary’s Church in Lewisham. The Reynolds family lived in various locations, including Hampshire and Croydon, before finally settling in Lewisham.

Harold was one of nine children, his siblings being:

• Walter Sale (1878-1951)
• Maude (born 1881)
• Burgess (1881-1916)
• George (born 1884)
• Rachel Roslyn (1886-1957)
• John (born 1887)
• Henry Arthur (born 1893)
• Stanley Jeffrey (born 1896)

Where did the Reynolds family live?

The Reynolds family moved several times during Harold’s childhood:

1. In 1891, when Harold was just two months old, the family resided at 17 Wendale Road, Blackheath, London.
2. By 1901, they had relocated to 37 Ladywell Park, Lewisham.
3. The 1911 census shows the family living at 10 Court Hill Road, Lewisham, though Harold was not present at this address.

Military Service and Career

How did Harold Reynolds begin his military career?

Harold Reynolds enlisted in the British Army on May 21, 1908, at the age of 17 (though he added a year to his age when joining). He joined at Woolwich, describing himself as a baker’s assistant. His physical description at the time of enlistment was:

• Height: 5 feet 5 inches
• Weight: 116 pounds
• Hair color: Brown
• Eye color: Blue
• Complexion: Fresh
• Distinguishing feature: A scar on his right cheek

Reynolds initially served as a driver until March 1909, when he was promoted to the rank of Private. His military service was not without incident, as on February 19, 1909, he was punished for being a nuisance in the stables.

Where was Harold stationed during his military service?

The 1911 census reveals that Harold was serving as a Private in the West Kent Regiment, stationed at barracks in Alton, Hampshire.

The Fateful Journey

What led to Harold Reynolds boarding the Titanic?

The events leading to Harold’s presence on the Titanic are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. On April 9, 1912, just days before the Titanic’s maiden voyage, Reynolds visited his mother at their family home in Lewisham. Curiously, he gave no indication of his plans to travel.

Military records show that as of April 10, 1912, Harold was listed as a deserter, having abandoned his unit, 9304 of the Royal West Kent Regiment. It’s believed that Reynolds deserted due to a “misunderstanding” with a superior officer.

Did Harold plan to use an alias on the Titanic?

Interestingly, Reynolds reportedly told a comrade that he intended to sail on the Titanic, possibly using the pseudonym “J. C. Cameron.” However, he did not ultimately use this alias when boarding the ship.

The Titanic Voyage

Harold Reynolds boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, as a third-class passenger. His ticket, number 342684, cost £8 1s (equivalent to about £950 in 2023). He gave his address as 10 Court Hill Road, Lewisham, and was described as an unmarried baker.

What was Harold’s destination?

Through correspondence with those who knew him, it was determined that Harold was headed to Wyoming, Ontario, where he had a sister.

Tragic Fate and Recovery

Harold Reynolds, like many others, tragically perished when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. His body was recovered nearly a month later, on May 10, 1912, by the ship Montmagny. He was designated as body number 327.

Where was Harold Reynolds laid to rest?

Reynolds was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 22, 1912. A poignant detail emerged during the recovery of his body: an address was found on his person - 807 Yonge Street, Ontario. This was the home address of F. W. Cannon, who had previously served with Reynolds in the Royal West Kent Regiment.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

The sinking of the Titanic and the loss of Harold deeply affected his family. On April 15, 1912, the very day of the disaster, Harold’s mother inquired about his whereabouts at the Lewisham Office, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded.

Harold’s mother, Rachel, lived for another two decades, passing away in Lewisham in 1932. The fate of his father, George, remains uncertain.

Harold Reynolds’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that comprised the larger disaster of the Titanic. His journey from a military deserter to a Titanic passenger, and his ultimate fate, continue to intrigue historians and Titanic enthusiasts more than a century later.