Henry Cotterill

Who was Mr Henry Cotterill?

Mr Henry “Harry” Cotterill was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old English carpenter and second-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1891 in Aston, Birmingham, Cotterill tragically lost his life in the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was known for his bravery in helping others during the disaster and is remembered through a memorial plaque in his hometown of Penzance, Cornwall.

Early Life and Family

A Cornish Heritage

Harry Cotterill was born into a family with strong Cornish roots. His parents, Thomas Cotterill (born 1856) and Emily Jane Wallis (born 1857), were both from Cornwall and had married in Truro in 1885. Harry was one of four surviving children out of a total of ten born to the couple. His siblings included:

Ethel (1887-1957, later Mrs Joseph Vincent)
Minnie (1895-1965, later Mrs George Lambert)
Charles George (1898-1970)

Childhood and Education

Harry’s early years were marked by several relocations:

Born in Aston, Birmingham in early 1891
Baptized in Small Heath, All Saints, Birmingham on October 18, 1891
Family moved back to Cornwall, settling in Penzance before 1895

Tragically, Harry’s father Thomas, a railway engine driver, passed away in 1898, leaving Emily a widow with young children to raise.

Growing Up in Penzance

By the 1901 census, the Cotterill family was living at 26 Adelaide Street, Penzance. Harry’s mother Emily was described as a widow living off her own means. The household also included:

Jane Wallis (born 1828), Harry’s maternal grandmother
Richard Wallis (born 1863), Harry’s maternal uncle

It was in Penzance that Harry would spend his formative years, attending St John’s School for seven years alongside his friend George Hocking, who would later become his travel companion on the Titanic.

Career and Aspirations

Following in His Father’s Footsteps?

While Harry’s father had been a railway engine driver, Harry chose a different path in the skilled trades. By the time of the 1911 census, Harry had established himself as a carpenter, a profession that would have required significant training and apprenticeship.

Dreams of America

Like many young men of his era, Harry was drawn to the promise of opportunity in America. His ultimate destination was to be 457 Rhodes Avenue, Akron, Ohio. This move suggests that Harry may have had connections in Akron, possibly in the carpentry or construction industry.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding the Ship of Dreams

Harry boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger. His ticket, number 29107, cost £11 10s, a significant sum for a young carpenter. This investment in his future speaks to the importance Harry placed on his journey to America.

Companions on the Voyage

Harry didn’t travel alone. He shared a cabin with two friends:

Percy Bailey
George Hocking

These connections provide insight into the social networks that existed among passengers, particularly those from the same region of England.

The Night of the Sinking

On the night of April 14, 1912, as the Titanic struck the iceberg, Harry demonstrated remarkable courage. Along with his friends Percy Bailey and George Hocking, he assisted the Hocking family to the lifeboats. In a true display of heroism and adherence to the “women and children first” protocol, Harry and his companions stood back, sacrificing their own chance at survival.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Memorial to Bravery

After the tragedy, a brass plaque was placed in St John’s School, St Michael’s Street, Penzance, in memory of Harry Cotterill and George Hocking. When the school closed in the late 1950s, the plaque was moved to St John the Baptist Church in Trewartha Terrace. The inscription reads:

In Memory of George Hocking and Harry Cotterill pupils of this school for 7 years who lost their lives in the foundering of the ‘Titanic’ 635 miles from New York on April 14 1912 “Quit ye like men”

This poignant memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the bravery of these young men from Penzance.

Family After the Tragedy

Harry’s mother, Emily, continued to live in Penzance for the rest of her life, passing away on June 6, 1940. His brother Charles, who became a railway worker, was the last surviving sibling, living until 1970 in Penzance.

Harry Cotterill’s story, though tragically cut short, exemplifies the spirit of courage and sacrifice that has come to be associated with the Titanic disaster. His legacy lives on through memorials and in the annals of Titanic history, a testament to a young man who, in the face of mortal danger, chose to help others before himself.