Patrick Colbert: Titanic Passenger and Railway Porter

Patrick Colbert, known affectionately as Pat, was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Irish railway porter who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on November 5, 1887, in Kilconlea, Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Ireland, Colbert’s journey on the ill-fated ship was driven by his deep religious convictions and a desire to join a holy order in Quebec, Canada.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Patrick Colbert’s family like?

Patrick Colbert came from a large, Roman Catholic family that was deeply rooted in Irish culture. His parents were:

• John W. Colbert (born circa 1843): A farmer
• Catherine “Kate” Connors (born circa 1846)

The couple married on January 29, 1870, in Abbeyfeale and went on to have ten children, of which Patrick was one of eight surviving siblings. The Colbert family was bilingual, speaking both Irish and English, which was common for many Irish families of the time.

Who were Patrick’s siblings?

Patrick’s siblings included:

1. William (born February 14, 1871)
2. John (born August 13, 1872)
3. Michael (born April 29, 1874)
4. Hanora (born April 22, 1876)
5. John (born June 10, 1878)
6. Denis (born June 11, 1880)
7. Tim (born October 4, 1881)
8. Margaret (born October 25, 1883)
9. Daniel (born December 28, 1885)

Life Before the Titanic

What was Patrick’s occupation?

According to the 1911 census, Patrick was working as a railway porter in Kilconlea Lower, Abbeyfeale. This occupation set him apart from his brothers, who were described as cattle buyers. His work as a porter likely gave him experience in handling luggage and assisting travelers, skills that would have been useful during his journey on the Titanic.

Patrick’s religious devotion played a significant role in his decision to embark on the Titanic journey.

On February 15, 1912, just two months before boarding the Titanic, Patrick celebrated the marriage of his sister Hanora at Abbeyfeale Church. This family event would be one of his last moments with his loved ones before his fateful voyage.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Patrick Colbert board the Titanic?

Patrick Colbert, being a deeply religious man, had made the decision to join a holy order in Sherbrooke, Québec. One of his brothers, known as Brother Christopher, was already there, which likely influenced Patrick’s choice of destination. This spiritual calling led him to book passage on the RMS Titanic, embarking on what he hoped would be a journey towards a new life dedicated to his faith.

What were the details of Patrick’s Titanic ticket?

Patrick boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) on April 11, 1912. Here are the key details of his journey:

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 371109
• Fare: £7 5s (7 pounds, 5 shillings)

It’s worth noting that Patrick was not known to be traveling with anyone from his locality, making his journey a solitary one.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Patrick Colbert during the Titanic sinking?

Tragically, Patrick Colbert did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class. The chaos and confusion during the disaster, combined with the limited access to lifeboats for third-class passengers, likely contributed to his inability to escape the sinking ship.

Was Patrick Colbert’s body ever recovered?

Patrick Colbert’s body, if recovered, was never identified. This lack of closure was a common and heartbreaking outcome for many families of Titanic victims. The vast majority of those who perished in the frigid North Atlantic waters were never found or identified.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

How did Patrick’s death impact his family?

The loss of Patrick Colbert was undoubtedly devastating for his family. His parents, John and Catherine, remained in Kilconlea after the disaster but survived less than a decade after losing their son:

• Catherine Colbert died on August 13, 1919
• John W. Colbert passed away on November 14, 1920

This timing suggests that the grief of losing their son may have taken a toll on their health and longevity.

Did any of Patrick’s siblings have notable lives after his passing?

Patrick’s brother Michael went on to marry and raise a family. He lived a long life, passing away in Kilconlea on June 10, 1965, at the age of 91 (ninety-one). Michael’s longevity and family life stand in poignant contrast to the fate of his younger brother Patrick, whose life was cut short at just 24 (twenty-four) years of age.

Remembering Patrick Colbert

Patrick Colbert’s story is a testament to the diverse backgrounds of the Titanic’s passengers. A young man of faith, embarking on a spiritual journey, his life was tragically intertwined with one of the most famous maritime disasters in history. While his body may never have been recovered, his memory lives on as part of the enduring narrative of the Titanic and its passengers.