Mr Owen Harris Braund

Who was Owen Harris Braund?

Owen Harris Braund was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old English ironmonger who tragically lost his life as a third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on October 31, 1889, in Cornwall, England, Braund was one of many hopeful emigrants seeking new opportunities in Canada when he boarded the ill-fated ship on its maiden voyage.

Early Life and Background

A Cornish Upbringing

Owen Harris Braund was born at Pigsdon Farm in Week St Mary, Cornwall, to James Braund, a farmer, and Elizabeth Braund (née Harris). He grew up in a large family, with siblings including:

• Lewis Richard Braund
• Mary Jane (Janie)
• William James (Jim)
• John Morcom (Jack)

Around 1902, the Braund family relocated to Norton’s Farm in Bridgerule, Devon. By 1913, they had settled in Truscott, Launceston.

Career and Aspirations

Before embarking on his journey to Canada, Owen worked as an ironmonger. This trade, which involved selling hardware and metal goods, provided him with valuable skills that he likely hoped to utilize in his new life abroad.

The Decision to Emigrate

Family Influence

In the early 1900s, Owen’s elder brother Jim moved to Canada for work. Upon returning for a visit, Jim encouraged both Owen and their brother Lewis to join him in emigrating. This familial connection played a crucial role in Owen’s decision to seek opportunities across the Atlantic.

A Group Journey

The Braund brothers’ plans expanded to include several relatives:

• Samuel Dennis
• William Dennis
• John Henry Perkin
• John Hall Lovell

These second and more distant cousins agreed to travel together, forming a close-knit group of aspiring immigrants.

The Titanic Journey

Preparations and Embarkation

Owen and his companions embarked on a long train journey from Holsworthy, traveling on the London & South Western Railway. Their route included changes at Exeter and Salisbury before arriving in Southampton. The night before boarding the Titanic, the group stayed at the Alliance Hotel in Southampton.

Ticket and Accommodation

On the morning of April 10, 1912, Owen Braund boarded the Titanic as a third-class passenger. His ticket details were as follows:

Destination and Dreams

The group’s ultimate destination was Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in Canada. Owen, like many others, likely saw this journey as a chance for a fresh start and new opportunities in a growing nation.

What Happened to Owen Harris Braund During the Disaster?

Tragically, Owen Harris Braund did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the young age of 22 (twenty-two), his life was cut short along with those of his five traveling companions. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

A Sole Survivor

In a twist of fate, a family friend named Susan Webber from North Tamerton, who had joined their journey and traveled in second class, survived the disaster.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Owen Harris Braund’s life was tragically short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations of many young emigrants who boarded the Titanic. His journey, along with those of his companions, illustrates the close-knit nature of early 20th-century emigration, where family and community ties often led to group travel.

Today, Owen is remembered as one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster, his story a testament to the human cost of the tragedy. His experience, shared by many third-class passengers, highlights the disproportionate impact the sinking had on those traveling in steerage, seeking a better life across the ocean.