Mr Ralph Giles: A Tragic Tale from the Titanic

Who was Ralph Giles?

Ralph Giles was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old English passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on September 9, 1887, in Newton Abbot, Devon, Giles was a second-class passenger who embarked on the ship’s maiden voyage from Southampton. His journey would tragically end with the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

A Devon Upbringing

Ralph Giles was born into a family with entrepreneurial spirit. His parents, John William Giles and Louisa Giles (née Davis), raised Ralph alongside his siblings:

• Harriet
• Hilda
• Pauline
• Lewis

The Giles family’s roots were deeply embedded in Devon, with their early years spent in Newton Abbot.

Family Business and Relocations

The Giles family’s life was marked by several moves and business ventures:

1. 1880-1904: John William Giles operated a draper’s business at 85 Queen Street, Newton Abbot.
2. 1904: The family relocated to Exeter, Devon.
3. 1905: Louisa Giles began letting apartments at 12 Eaton Place, Heavitree Road, Exeter.
4. 1908: The family moved to 11 Eaton Place (now 17 Heavitree Road), where Louisa continued her apartment rental business.

During this time, John William Giles transitioned from a draper to a bookseller, showcasing the family’s adaptability in business.

Ralph’s Life Before the Titanic

Where was Ralph living before his fateful journey?

Prior to boarding the Titanic, Ralph Giles was lodging at 10 Gunterstone Road, West Kensington, London. This move from his family home in Exeter to London suggests that Ralph may have been pursuing new opportunities in the capital.

The Titanic Journey

Boarding and Ticket Details

Ralph Giles boarded the RMS Titanic as a second-class passenger in Southampton. His ticket details were as follows:

A Mystery Voyage

The reason for Ralph Giles’ travel on the Titanic remains a mystery.

This enigmatic aspect of Giles’ journey adds an intriguing layer to his story. Was he embarking on a new adventure? Returning from a visit? The true purpose of his voyage may never be known.

Fate During the Disaster

The Tragic Night of April 14-15, 1912

Ralph Giles, like many others, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, identified as body number 297.

Recovery Details

The description of Ralph’s recovered body provides a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

• Estimated Age: 28
• Physical Description: Long medium hair, high forehead
• Clothing: Black overcoat, blue serge suit, flannel shirt with blue stripe
• Personal Effects:
  • Glasses
  • Silver chain
  • Sovereign purse
  • £1
  • Nickel watch
  • Gold ring
  • Pocketbook
  • 4s. 6d.
  • $2.25

Final Resting Place

Ralph Giles was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 8, 1912. His burial site serves as a somber reminder of the Titanic tragedy.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

The Impact on the Giles Family

The loss of Ralph had a profound impact on his family:

• His father, John William Giles, passed away in 1917 at the age of 63, after a long illness.
• His mother, Louisa Giles, left Exeter in 1919 and moved to Teignmouth, Devon.
• Louisa Giles died in January 1941 at the age of 89 and was interred in the same grave as her husband.

A Life Cut Short

Ralph Giles’ story is a poignant reminder of the many lives tragically cut short by the Titanic disaster. At just 24 years old, he was embarking on what should have been a journey of promise, only to become one of the many victims of the Titanic. His tale, while brief, remains an integral part of the Titanic’s enduring legacy, reminding us of the human cost behind one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.