Mr Peter Henry Renouf

Who was Peter Henry Renouf?

Peter Henry Renouf was a 33 (thirty-three) year old carpenter and joiner from the Channel Islands who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on April 27, 1878, in St Sampsons, Guernsey, Renouf was a second-class passenger on the ill-fated voyage, traveling with his wife and brothers-in-law.

Early Life and Background

Guernsey Roots

Peter Henry Renouf was born into a working-class family in the Channel Islands. His parents were:

• William Henry Renouf (born 1845): Initially a painter, later became a fisherman
• Martha Mary Richard (born 1850)

Peter had two known siblings:

• Thomas (born 1876)
• Herbert (born 1880)

Childhood and Early Career

The Renouf family’s life can be traced through various census records:

By 1901, Peter was the only child still living at home, described as an unmarried house decorator and painter.

Marriage and Move to America

Peter Renouf married Lillian Elizabeth Jefferys, a native of St Peter’s Port, Guernsey, born in 1882. The couple, although married, had no children.

In 1907, Peter and Lillian embarked on a new chapter in their lives:

• Date of Emigration: June 15, 1907
• Ship: St Paul
• Departure Port: Southampton
• Destination: United States

They were accompanied by Lillian’s brother, Frederick Jefferys. Peter described himself as a carpenter during this journey, indicating a shift in his professional focus.

Life in New Jersey

By 1910, the Renoufs had settled in Elizabeth, Union, New Jersey:

• Address: Florida Street
• Household Members: Peter, Lillian, Frederick Jefferys (brother-in-law), Charles Cann (cousin)

Peter quickly became an active member of his new community:

• Member of Grace Church
• Member of the Hawthorne Athletic Club

The Fateful Titanic Journey

In 1911, Peter and Lillian returned to Guernsey to visit family, including Peter’s widowed father and Lillian’s recently widowed father-in-law. For their return journey to New Jersey, they booked passage on the RMS Titanic.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Class: Second Class
• Ticket Number: 31027
• Fare: £21
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

Accompanying the Renoufs were:

• Clifford Thomas Jefferys (brother-in-law)
• Ernest Wilfred Jefferys (brother-in-law)

Other Guernsey natives traveling with them included:

• William Douton
• Lillian Winifred Bentham
• Emily Rugg
• Albert Denbuoy

What Happened on the Night of the Sinking?

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Peter Renouf and his brothers-in-law were socializing in the smoking room when the Titanic collided with an iceberg. Their actions following the collision were as follows:

1. Descended to the lower decks to fetch Lillian Renouf from her cabin
2. Ascended to the boat deck with Lillian

Tragically, Peter Renouf did not survive the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified. His wife Lillian, however, was among the survivors.

Legacy and Remembrance

Peter Henry Renouf’s life, though cut short at the age of 33 (thirty-three), serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives affected by the Titanic disaster. His story, intertwined with those of his family and fellow Channel Islanders, adds to the rich tapestry of narratives surrounding this historic event.

“Peter Renouf died in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified. His wife Lillian was saved.”

This stark contrast in fates between husband and wife underscores the arbitrary nature of survival that night, and the profound impact the disaster had on families and communities across the world.

Today, Peter Henry Renouf is remembered not only as a victim of the Titanic, but as a representation of the countless individuals who sought new opportunities across the Atlantic, only to have their dreams tragically cut short on that fateful April night in 1912.