Master Neville Leslie Coutts

Master Neville Leslie Coutts was a young Titanic survivor who experienced the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic at the tender age of 3 (three). Born on October 23, 1908, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, Neville’s life was forever changed by his harrowing experience aboard the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Family Background

Neville Leslie Coutts came from a working-class family with diverse roots:

• Father: William Coutts (born 1876)

  • Occupation: Gold and silver engraver
  • Former soldier
  • Originally from Haddingtonshire, Scotland

• Mother: Minnie Trainor (born 1876)

  • Originally from Ireland

• Sibling: William Loch Coutts, elder brother (born 1902)

The Coutts family resided at 5 Knox Buildings, Caledonian Road, Islington, London, as recorded in the 1911 census. This urban setting would soon be exchanged for a transatlantic journey that would alter their lives forever.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why did the Coutts family board the Titanic?

In early 1912, William Coutts, Neville’s father, emigrated to the United States. After establishing himself, he sent money for his family to join him at their new home in Brooklyn, New York. Minnie Coutts, Neville’s mother, made a fateful decision to purchase third-class tickets instead of the intended second-class passage, hoping to save money for their new life in America.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Date of Embarkation: April 10, 1912
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton
• Ticket Number: C.A. 37671
• Fare: £15 18s (15 pounds, 18 shillings)
• Class: Third Class

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Coutts family’s lives changed dramatically:

1. The family was asleep when the Titanic struck the iceberg.
2. Minnie Coutts, awakened by the slight crash, investigated and heard murmurs of trouble.
3. She quickly dressed her sons and tied lifebelts on them.
4. Unable to find a lifebelt for herself, she hurried the boys out of the cabin.

A Dramatic Escape

The Coutts family’s escape from the sinking Titanic was nothing short of miraculous:

• They initially struggled to reach the lifeboats from the steerage area.
• A seaman guided them to the boat deck.
• An unidentified American man gave his lifebelt to Minnie Coutts, saying:

“Take my life preserver, madam. If I go down, please pray for me.”

• Neville, his mother, and brother were fortunate to escape in lifeboat 2.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic experience shape Neville’s life?

The Titanic disaster left an indelible mark on Neville’s life, influencing his future in various ways:

• Reunion: The family was reunited with their father in Brooklyn after the rescue.
• Career: By 1930, Neville was working as a steelworker in Pennsylvania.
• Marriage: On July 18, 1941, he married Edna Mary Jordan (born June 4, 1910).
• Professional Growth: Later in life, Neville became a stocks and bonds salesman in New York City.
• Residence: He maintained a home in Maplewood, New Jersey.

Neville’s Connection to Titanic History

Neville Coutts maintained a connection to the Titanic’s legacy throughout his life:

• In 1958, he was among a select group of survivors who attended the premiere of the movie “A Night to Remember” in Manhattan.
• This event showcased his enduring link to the historic tragedy and his role as a living witness to one of the 20th century’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Final Years and Legacy

Neville Coutts’ later years were marked by retirement and reflection:

• He and his wife retired to Florida.
• Neville passed away on March 29, 1977, in Islamorada, Plantation Key, at the age of 68 (sixty-eight).
• His remains were cremated, a final journey for a man who had survived one of history’s most famous sea tragedies.

Neville Leslie Coutts’ life story serves as a poignant reminder of the Titanic’s human impact. From a child survivor to a contributor to the ship’s historical memory, his journey encapsulates the long-lasting effects of that fateful night in April 1912.