The Man from St. Sampson

Remembering Peter Renouf on the Titanic

When we think of the Titanic, we often think of the unsinkable Molly Brown or Captain Smith. But the tragedy struck closer to home than many realize. Among the souls on board was a distinct group of Channel Islanders, including Peter Henry Renouf, a man from Guernsey whose journey ended in the icy waters of the Atlantic, but whose story remains part of our island’s history.

⚓ 1. The Passenger

Born in Guernsey, Peter Henry Renouf was a true islander. By April 1912, he was roughly 33 years old—a prime age for a man looking to build a future. He wasn’t traveling alone. Peter was accompanied by his wife, Lillian “Lily” Renouf, and her two brothers, Clifford and Ernest Jefferys.

2. The Departure Point: Bas Courtil

Before they stepped onto the world’s most famous ship, the group gathered at a home known as Bas Courtil in the Halfway area of St. Sampson.

A Snapshot of 1912:

The Tram: Open-top, double-decker cars rattled along the coast road.
The Road: Busy with horse-drawn carts hauling heavy granite.
The View: Belle Greve Bay offered a view of the islands Peter would soon trade for the open ocean.

🎟️ 3. The Journey

On April 10, 1912, the group boarded the Titanic at Southampton, joined by fellow Guernseyman Albert Denbuoy.

White Star Line – Passenger Manifest

Ticket Number:	31027
Class:	Second Class
Fare:	£21 (Approx. £2,500+ today)
Destination:	Elizabeth, New Jersey

⚠️ 4. The Tragedy

The night of April 14 changed everything. When the order was given for women and children to board the lifeboats, the Renouf family was permanently separated.

Peter escorted Lillian to Lifeboat No. 12. In the chaos, farewells were rushed. It is believed Peter stepped back to allow his wife a seat, perhaps reassuring her that he would follow. He never did. Peter Renouf, his brothers-in-law Clifford and Ernest, and their friend Albert Denbuoy all perished.

🕊️ 5. The Legacy

Lillian Renouf survived, but she arrived in New York a widow. Peter’s body was never recovered.

Today, if you walk along the North Esplanade in St. Peter Port, you will find a blue stone tablet on the harbour wall. It is a 14-sided memorial, with each side representing a life lost from the Bailiwick. Peter’s name is etched there, looking out over the water he never crossed.