Mr William Thomas Kerley

Mr William Thomas Kerley, 28, was born in Dorset. His parent were farmers, they lived at Elliottts farm.

When he signed-on to the Titanic, on 4 April 1912, he gave his address as Woodminton Cottages, Salisbury. The Titanic was his first ship. As a second class steward he received monthly wages of £3 15s.

More tragic was the death of Tom Kerley a chef [sic] on the ill-fated Titanic. His parents who worked on Elliott's farm were very proud of their smart and popular son and especially of his progress to the largest and most magnificent ship of it's day. Kate Gulliver who lived on the Chase (Cranbourne Chase an area in Dorset England) remembers the terrible gloom that sinking cast over the whole Country. At a memorial service for Tom in the Baptist Chapel his father asked for the boy's favorite hymn, 'Peace Perfect Peace' and wept throughout the singing of it. Tom Kerley's death was noted in 24 April 1912 edition of the Parish Paper but a strange sequel was noted later: A sad sequel to the tragic drowning of young Tom Kerley in the ill fated Titanic has come by the news of the unexpected recovery of his lifeless body floating in mid-ocean. It was noticed by a passing vessel homeward bound. With reverent care it was up lifted and after the Burial Service had been said once more committed to the deep to the grand and solemn music of the ever restless waves.
[Unidentified Dorset History Book]

Kerley died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

References and Sources
Agreement and Account of Crew (PRO London, BT100/259)

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