William Henry Saundercock

William Henry Saundercock, known affectionately as Willie, was a young English miner who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster at the age of 19 (nineteen). Born on September 18, 1892, in St Austell, Cornwall, England, Saundercock’s life was cut short on April 15, 1912, when the RMS Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.

Early Life and Background

A Cornish Upbringing

William Henry Saundercock was born into a working-class family in Cornwall. His parents, Richard Wellington Saundercock (born 1864) and Kate Burley (born 1863), were both Cornwall natives who married in 1888. William was one of six children, with siblings:

• Olive (1889-1975)
• Elsie (1890-1962, later Mrs. Arthur Matthews)
• Augustus (1894-1968)
• Edith (1897-1948, later Mrs. Walter Nancarrow)
• Milly (1899-1961, later Mrs. William Martin)

From Rabbit Trapper’s Son to China Clay Labourer

The Saundercock family’s economic situation evolved over time:

1. In the 1901 census, they lived at Bohago (near Creed), Cuby, Cornwall, where William’s father worked as a rabbit trapper.
2. By the 1911 census, the family had moved to Penwithick, St Austell.
3. William and his brother Augustus became China Clay labourers, while their father worked as a China Clay washer.

A Man of Faith and Temperance

William Henry Saundercock was known for his strong moral character and community involvement:

• Freemason: He was a member of the Masonic order.
• Temperance Advocate: Saundercock belonged to St Austell’s Rechabite Lodge for several years.
• Wesleyan Church Member: He was heavily involved with the Wesleyan Church and its Sunday School.
• Mentor: In 1912, he introduced his friend and colleague Ernest Cann to the Temperance movement.

“Mr. William Sandercock, eldest of the family of Mr. and Mrs. R. Sandercock, prior to his leaving the neighbourhood was connected with the Wesleyan Church and Sunday School, where he made a large circle of friends by his amiable and courteous disposition. He was also a popular reciter at the local Band of Hope meetings, where he is being missed.” - St Austell Star and Cornish Advertiser, April 25, 1912

The Titanic Journey

Why Did William Henry Saundercock Board the Titanic?

William Saundercock, like many young men of his time, was likely seeking better opportunities in America. He embarked on the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger, accompanied by his friend Ernest Cann. Their ticket details were as follows:

It’s believed that Saundercock and Cann may have also been acquainted with other passengers from St Austell, including William Nancarrow and William John Matthews.

What Were Saundercock’s Plans in America?

While their exact destination in the USA is uncertain, local media reported that Saundercock was to be met by a colleague who had crossed the Atlantic several months prior. This suggests he may have had a job or opportunity waiting for him upon arrival.

Before their departure, both Saundercock and Cann were presented with Sunday School teacher’s Bibles, highlighting the importance of their faith even as they embarked on this new adventure.

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, William Henry Saundercock 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. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

The loss of this young man, described as amiable and courteous, was deeply felt by his community back in St Austell.

Legacy and Family Impact

How Did the Titanic Disaster Affect the Saundercock Family?

The loss of William Henry Saundercock had both immediate and long-lasting effects on his family:

1. Financial Assistance: William’s parents were awarded a grant of £20 from the Mansion House Relief Fund to help with their immediate needs.
2. Continued Residence: Both parents continued to live in St Austell after the disaster.
3. Family Timeline:
   • Kate Saundercock (mother) passed away in 1920
   • Richard Saundercock (father) died in 1933
   • Olive, William’s eldest sister and last surviving sibling, remained unmarried and lived until 1975

A Titanic Connection

In a twist of fate, William’s sister Edith (1897-1948) married Walter Nancarrow (1900-1951) in 1918. Walter was the son of another Titanic victim, William Henry Nancarrow, creating a poignant connection between two families affected by the disaster.

William Henry Saundercock’s story, though tragically short, serves as a reminder of the many young lives full of potential that were lost in the Titanic disaster. His commitment to faith, temperance, and community involvement paints a picture of a promising young man whose journey was cut short on that fateful night in April 1912.