Mr Reginald Charles Coleridge

Who was Reginald Charles Coleridge?

Reginald Charles Coleridge was a 29 (twenty-nine) year-old English advertising consultant who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Teignmouth, Devon in 1883, Coleridge was a second-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic in April 1912. His story is one of ambition, adventure, and ultimately, heartbreak.

Early Life and Background

A Devon Native with Norfolk Ties

Reginald Charles Coleridge was born in the second half of 1883 in Teignmouth, Devon, England. He was the eldest of three children born to Charles Cotton Coleridge, a cabinet maker, and Nancy Wescott. His family background included:

• Father: Charles Cotton Coleridge (born 1856)
• Mother: Nancy Wescott (born 1857, died 1900)
• Sisters: Frances May (born 1892) and Edith (born 1893)

While born in Devon, Reginald spent a significant portion of his life in Norfolk, where his sisters were born. The 1901 census shows Reginald and his father living at 22 Park Road, Walsoken, Norfolk.

Education and Early Career

Reginald attended Walsoken Boys’ School, laying the foundation for his future career. As a young man, he moved to Hartford, Huntingdonshire, though it’s believed he worked in London. His professional life took an interesting turn as he became an incorporated advertising consultant, a relatively new and exciting field in the early 20th century.

A Passion for Scouting

One of Reginald’s most notable achievements was his involvement in the Boy Scouts movement. In February 1908, he made history by becoming the first scoutmaster of the 1st Hunts (Hartford) Scout Group, which was only the fourth Scout group ever established. This accomplishment highlights Coleridge’s leadership skills and dedication to youth development.

Reginald was pictured in Scout’s uniform with the inaugural members and Rev. Alexander Chorley Crosfield, the vicar of Hartford.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Reginald Coleridge on the Titanic?

Reginald Coleridge’s presence on the Titanic was somewhat serendipitous. He had originally been scheduled to travel to America on another steamer, but due to a coal strike, his passage was transferred to the Titanic. This twist of fate would ultimately seal his destiny.

Destination and Purpose

Coleridge was en route to Detroit, Michigan on business, with plans for a holiday in Canada afterward with his friend, Rev. Alexander Chorley Crosfield. He boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a second-class passenger, holding ticket number 14263, which cost £10 10s.

Coleridge’s Titanic Experience

As the Titanic approached Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland, Coleridge wrote a letter to his father, providing a vivid description of life aboard the luxurious liner:

“We are very comfortable indeed – there is nothing wanting, except the use of the gymnasium and swimming bath, which is restricted to first-class passengers. The sea is rather rough for small boats, but our great ship towers so high out of the water that the sea looks quite flat and calm. She rises and sinks hardly at all, and the only noticeable sensation is the jelly-like quivering caused by the ceaseless throbbing of the engines. I have had a jolly warm sea-water bath this morning, and am presently going on deck to us enter Queenstown.”

This letter, published in the Peterborough Standard on April 20, 1912, offers a poignant glimpse into Coleridge’s final days and the optimism that pervaded the Titanic’s passengers.

The Fateful Night

What happened to Reginald Coleridge during the Titanic disaster?

Tragically, Reginald Coleridge did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a second-class male passenger, his chances of survival were slim due to the “women and children first” protocol followed during the evacuation.

The Aftermath

• Coleridge’s body, if recovered, was never identified.
• His friend, Rev. Crosfield, only learned of Coleridge’s fate upon arriving in Nova Scotia days after the disaster.
• Crosfield immediately abandoned his holiday plans and returned home on the same vessel.

Legacy and Remembrance

Despite his short life, Reginald Charles Coleridge left a lasting impact on those who knew him and is remembered in several ways:

1. Memorial Tablet: A tablet in All Saints Church, Hartford, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire commemorates his life.
2. Silver Artifacts: A silver cruet and communion flagon in his memory are now in the care of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.
3. Estate: His estate, valued at £455 14s 7d, was administered to Reverend Crosfield on June 10, 1912.

Coleridge’s Impact on Scouting

Reginald’s role as one of the earliest scoutmasters in the Boy Scouts movement represents a significant contribution to youth development in early 20th century Britain. His leadership likely influenced many young lives, creating a ripple effect that extended beyond his tragic early death.

Final Thoughts

Reginald Charles Coleridge’s life, though cut short at the age of 29 (twenty-nine), was one of service, ambition, and adventure. From his pioneering work in advertising to his dedication to the scouting movement, Coleridge exemplified the spirit of progress and community engagement that characterized the best of Edwardian England. His untimely death on the RMS Titanic serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching impact of historical events on individual destinies.